![Mohammed Siraj Gets Reality Check From Dinesh Karthik [Source: @BCCI/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1794544664536_MohammedSirajIndiaNewZealand.jpg?type=hq)
Mohammed Siraj Gets Reality Check From Dinesh Karthik [Source: @BCCI/X]
Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj was left out of the 4th ODI against New Zealand held at Bay Oval. Reacting to this, ex-wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik said that Siraj is falling back from India’s 2027 World Cup plans.
For the 4th ODI, India released Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Anshul Kamboj from the squad for Test preparation. Hence, many fans and critics expected Siraj to get a game at Bay Oval.
Dinesh Karthik speaks on Mohammed Siraj’s snub
However, Mohammed Siraj was shockingly snubbed as India chose to include a specialist spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, in its playing XI for the 4th ODI. Meanwhile, Dinesh Karthik listed two reasons behind Siraj’s snub.
He feels Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar have bowled well enough to retain their places in the team. Their performances have made it difficult for Siraj to break into the playing XI.
Moreover, Karthik pointed out that Auqib Nabi offers batting ability at No. 8, which gives him an advantage in the team combination. Hence, Siraj is competing not just on his bowling ability but also against a team combination that values batting depth.
“The sad part of that XI is Mohammed Siraj. I think he has not made the cut purely because of two things: How well Arshdeep and Gurnoor have bowled, and India do want to bat till No.8. I think they feel Aaqib Nabi is someone who can give them something with the bat at No.8 and hence he makes the cut," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.
Is Mohammed Siraj falling behind in the 2027 World Cup race?
With the 2027 ODI World Cup a year away, Mohammed Siraj’s snub from the 4th India vs New Zealand ODI raised eyebrows. Dinesh Karthik claimed that Siraj is currently not among India's first-choice fast-bowling options for the tournament.
"At this point of time, he is not on the top of the pile for the 2027 World Cup. I think there are a couple of bowlers who are ahead of him. This is from the Indian team's perspective, personally it's different," he added.
In the 2023 World Cup, Siraj picked 14 wickets in 11 games with an average of 33.50. Overall, in the ODI format, he has 77 wickets in 51 games but has played only 10 games since the last World Cup.
Hence, for now, Mohammed Siraj is in a fix. His comeback in the 2027 World Cup seems unlikely in these circumstances.
