Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has thrown his weight behind Mohammed Siraj, backing the India pacer to use IPL 2025 as a platform to reclaim his spot in the national team. Siraj, who was surprisingly left out of India’s Champions Trophy 2025-winning squad, has fallen out of favor in white-ball cricket in recent months. However, Chopra believes the upcoming IPL season could be the perfect stage for Siraj to reignite his career and stake a claim for an India comeback.
The 31-year-old pacer, known for his ability to swing the new ball, has been a consistent performer in the IPL over the years. Despite his recent exclusion from India’s white-ball setup, Siraj remains a potent force in the tournament. This year, he was acquired by the Gujarat Titans (GT) for a staggering Rs 12.25 crore, making him one of the most expensive buys of the season. Siraj is expected to fill the void left by Mohammed Shami, who has moved to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for IPL 2025.
Chopra, speaking on his YouTube channel, expressed his surprise at Siraj’s omission from India’s white-ball teams and highlighted the pacer’s potential to make a strong impact for GT.
“It’s a huge opportunity for Mohammed Siraj because he has been completely left out in white-ball cricket,” Chopra said. “He wasn’t there in the Champions Trophy squad. Why wasn’t he there? No one is taking his name in T20s either. Even Bengaluru (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) let him go.”
The former opener went on to emphasize Siraj’s ability to dominate with the new ball, suggesting that he could step into Shami’s shoes seamlessly. “I would feel that Shami’s absence can be filled by Siraj. With the new ball, he can wreak havoc,” Chopra added.
While Siraj has faced criticism for his economy rate, particularly in the death overs, his ability to strike early with the new ball remains his biggest strength. Over his eight-year IPL career, Siraj has taken 68 wickets, including 34 in the last two seasons alone. His economy rate of 8.65, though on the higher side, is offset by his knack for picking up crucial breakthroughs.
At Gujarat Titans, Siraj will be part of a formidable bowling attack that includes South African speedster Kagiso Rabada and India’s Prasidh Krishna. Rabada, one of the most feared fast bowlers in world cricket, will lead the pace battery, while Krishna’s ability to deliver in the middle and death overs adds depth to the lineup.
GT, under the leadership of Shubman Gill, will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing eighth-place finish in IPL 2024. Gill, who is also India’s vice-captain in ODI cricket, will be hoping to inspire his team to a strong start in IPL 2025. Their campaign begins on Tuesday, March 25, with a clash against Punjab Kings.
For Siraj, the upcoming season is more than just another IPL campaign. It’s an opportunity to prove his critics wrong, silence the doubters, and remind the selectors of his value in India’s white-ball setup. With Aakash Chopra’s backing and a fresh start at Gujarat Titans, Siraj has all the motivation he needs to shine in IPL 2025.
As the tournament gets underway, all eyes will be on the fiery pacer to see if he can turn his fortunes around and pave the way for an India comeback.