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Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has voiced his disappointment over the absence of fast-bowler Mohammed Siraj from India’s squad for the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup. He argued that Siraj’s inclusion would have made India’s bowling attack look far more formidable.
Harbhajan, speaking on his YouTube channel, said: “I feel that Siraj’s name should have been included as well. Siraj bowled very well in the recent series. Yes, he did a lot of bowling in England, but he also got adequate rest. So he could have been included. If he had been taken, the team would have looked even stronger. The bowling unit would have seemed stronger. I feel that the ‘X-factor’ that Siraj brings might be somewhat missed.”
Siraj was India’s star in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series in England, finishing as the highest wicket-taker. His most memorable moment came in the decisive fifth Test at the Oval, where he claimed a five-wicket haul and dismissed Gus Atkinson to secure India’s narrow win.
Despite his Test heroics, Siraj’s T20I track record remains modest — 14 wickets in 16 games at an average of 32.28. While he shone in IPL 2025, selectors opted for other pacers — Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana — who have all picked up more wickets than him across the last two IPL seasons.
Harbhajan also expressed concern over the omission of Shreyas Iyer, who had been in fine form. He questioned chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s explanation that there was no spot available for Iyer.
“I had hoped he would get a place in the team. He scored a lot of runs, played in the IPL final, and was in very good form. I thought his name could have been there. As for whose spot he would take, you have to see whose place it would have been. When someone has to be included or left out, a spot is made. But I did not see Shreyas Iyer’s name there, which surprised me a little,” Harbhajan said.
India, placed in Group A with Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, will begin their campaign on September 10 against the UAE. The tournament will serve as a crucial test ahead of the bigger ICC events lined up in 2025.
