Former Indian fast bowler Atul Wassan has urged selectors to consider Mohammed Siraj as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah in India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Bumrah, who last played for India in the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, is currently sidelined due to a back injury. With the tournament set to begin on February 19, uncertainties remain over Bumrah’s participation.
India’s Strength Eaven Without Bumrah
Wassan, who represented India in four Tests and nine ODIs between 1990 and 1991, believes that while Bumrah’s presence makes India a strong contender, the team remains competitive even in his absence.
“Look, Bumrah has done more work than he was expected to do in Australia. If Bumrah is not there, it’s Shami, so I think we are covered. If Bumrah comes, it’s a lottery. If Bumrah and Shami both come, we are certainly the favourites to win the tournament. Rohit is in form, Virat is due, so I think our team is good. But even without Bumrah, I think we are still okay,” Wassan told CricketNext at the Restaurants Cricket League 2025 – Season 3 launch.
Why Mohammed Siraj Over Other Pacers?
In the event of Bumrah missing the tournament due to injury concerns, Wassan strongly advocates for Siraj’s selection over other options like Harshit Rana and Varun Chakravarthy. He emphasized that Siraj’s experience and ability to handle pressure make him a valuable asset for the team.
“Look, there are matches in Dubai. In the UAE, the conditions are slow, and sometimes there’s dew at night as well. So, you need experienced players. Nowadays, it’s not like, unless the total wicket is green or completely empty, then you think about it. When there are neutral pitches, then you go with the best you have. There are a lot of factors in cricket. It’s not black and white. So, I think the players who have played 50-60 matches for India, who have undergone the pressure, it’s better to play them rather than getting excited and playing a new guy,” Wassan explained.
He further added, “So, if we are talking about Siraj and Harshit, I will play Siraj. Because he is a proven entity, he has done it. I won’t waste his experience. I will play the one who has played 100 matches. Because in such a big pressure encounter, even if a new player is bowling well, he can be switched.”
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Support for Gautam Gambhir’s Coaching Approach
Apart from his views on team selection, Wassan also expressed support for India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, who took over from Rahul Dravid in July 2024. Gambhir’s coaching style has sparked debates, but Wassan believes he should be given full authority to execute his plans.
“Strong personalities have extreme reactions. Either you totally love them or you hate them. So, I think the ones who send these decisive signals are sometimes very successful, so we have to go. But if you have given him the charge, then I think whatever he wants to do, he should be allowed to do. If he doesn’t deliver after that, then throw him out. If he does, then let him do it,” Wassan said.
With the Champions Trophy 2025 approaching, the Indian team’s final squad selection remains a topic of intense discussion. Whether Bumrah recovers in time or Siraj gets the nod, fans eagerly await to see how India shapes up for the prestigious tournament.