Gautam Gambhir, Shubman Gill - (Source: AFP/X)
The two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka is over. The Shubman Gill-led side clinched the title with a 1-0 series win. The visitors had a whitewash in sight, but Sri Lanka registered a moral win in the 2nd Test when they snatched a draw out of the jaws of defeat.
Indian bowlers were heavily criticised for not being able to rattle Sri Lanka’s middle-order. Mohammed Siraj was the most experienced seamer in the bowling department, but the right-arm seamer failed to impress, picking up just 4 wickets in 4 innings.
Shocking Selection Details Emerge Days After Sri Lanka Series
In the latest development, a video from Dainik Jagran journalist Abhishek Tripathi has mentioned that Gurnoor Brar was all set to play the 2nd Test instead of Mohammed Siraj, but a late veto from Shubman Gill changed the scenario.
Siraj looked ineffective in the 1st Test as he picked up just 2 wickets. Therefore, the management wanted Gurnoor to play the 2nd Test. Interestingly, coach Gautam Gambhir, selectors, and captain Shubman Gill himself agreed to play Brar for the 2nd Test.
However, on the morning of the 2nd Test, Shubman Gill changed his mind and vetoed Gautam Gambhir’s decision and asked for Siraj to continue in the playing XI. The decision turned out to be well because the right-arm seamer again picked up 2 wickets in 2 innings.
Mohammed Siraj’s India Future Under Threat
During the 2023 ODI World Cup, Mohammed Siraj formed a formidable force with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. In just three years, the trio is struggling. Shami has been out of the team because of fitness, Bumrah is struggling with injuries, and Siraj has his form issues.
In 2022 and 2023, Siraj played 57 matches for India across formats. However, in the last three years, which are 2024, 2025, and 2026, the right-arm seamer has featured in just 42 matches, which is a significant dip for his demand in the Indian team.
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At present, Siraj is being challenged by the likes of Prince Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, and Gurnoor Brar across formats. In the last two years, Mohammed Siraj has played just a solitary T20I for India, clearly signifying that he is out of the scheme of things in the shortest format of the game.
Talking about ODIs, Siraj has played just 9 matches in the last three years, and it is doubtful whether he will be on the plane to South Africa for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Therefore, Test is the only format where the 32-year-old has actually cemented his place.
Now, with reports that the management is looking at Gurnoor Brar ahead of him in the pecking order is a concern for him.
Gurnoor Brar Auditions For India Test Spot In Duleep Trophy 2026
Gurnoor Brar is yet to make his India debut in Test cricket. The right-arm seamer recently shone in the Duleep Trophy, where he took five wickets in two innings, including a four-wicket haul.
India’s next Test assignment is against New Zealand in October. So, India have some time before the next big series to regroup and think about certain players’ future including Mohammed Siraj.
Luckily, for Siraj, the latest report mentioned that the management is looking at 5 pacers for New Zealand series and he is part of that list.
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