Delhi: Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has surprised the fast bowler Mohammad Siraj in the Indian team declared for the Asia Cup 2025. The selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar announced the 15 -member team on August 19, but since then the debate has started about the ignoring of many players. Harbhajan believes that Siraj’s presence could have further strengthened the team.

Siraj’s recent form has been excellent

Mohammad Siraj recently played an important role in getting India a 2–2 equal in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England. He has also done well in limited overs cricket. Siraj has taken 14 wickets in 16 matches so far in T20 International and his economy rate has been 7.79.

Strong performance in IPL too

Siraj performed brilliantly while playing for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. He took 16 wickets and 151 dot balls in 15 matches. This shows their bowling skills and continuity.

Lack of Siraj told ‘ex-factor’ deficiency

Harbhajan Singh said on his YouTube channel, “I think Mohammad Siraj should have been in the team. He had bowled well in the recent series. If he was taken, the bowling unit would have seen more strong. Siraj who brings X-factor, may be missed this time.”

Spinners dominated on UAE pitches

The Asia Cup is to be in the UAE, where spin bowlers are expected to get more help on the pitches. In such a situation, the role of fast bowlers can be limited. However, fast bowlers like Jaspreet Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya already have existed with India. It is also possible that Siraj has been rested after the England Test series.

Other fast bowlers got a chance

Siraj last played a match for India on a tour of Sri Lanka in July 2024. This time Harshit Rana has been included in the team, while the famous Krishna who won the Purple Cap in IPL 2025 has been kept in the reserve players.

India’s first clash on 10 September

India will start its Asia Cup 2025 with the first match of Group A against UAE on 10 September.