'Didn’t want me to just sit on bench': Mohammed Siraj reveals honest response by Rohit Sharma on white-ball snub

Mohammed Siraj reveals honest response by Rohit Sharma on white-ball snub (BCCI Photo)

Mohammed Siraj will make his comeback to India's white-ball setup as he is part of the ODI squad for the forthcoming tour of Australia, starting from October 19. He returns to the ODI setup for the first time since August 2024, during which he also missed the ICC Champions Trophy played earlier this year. Following this he was also not considered for the Asia Cup in the UAE. However, he remained a constant figure in the red-ball matches, which includes the gruelling series Down Under and England.

Siraj was asked to weigh-in on his long absence from the white-ball format during The Idea Exchange session by Indian Express. The pacer in response expressed confidence in delivering his services to the country in all three formats. He then shared details of his conversation with former captain Rohit Sharma.

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“I’m 200 per cent confident of doing well in all three formats when given a chance. We played the Champions Trophy in Dubai, there was heat, and we needed more spinners there, that’s why I wasn’t picked.

"Rohit (Sharma) bhai told me that most of the bowling would be done by spinners and he didn’t want me to go there and just sit on the bench. He told me to spend time with family, practice and work on my fitness,” the pacer said.

On not being considered for the recently-concluded continental showdown, which India won convincingly, Siraj added: “The Asia Cup was right after we had returned from the five Tests in England, so it was an opportunity to rest a bit.”

Siraj latest white-ball stint was with the Gujarat Titans during IPL 2025. He registered 16 wickets in 15 matches, with the best figures of 4/17. He has so far represented India in 44 ODIs, in which he has picked 71 wickets; and 16 T20Is where he has registered 14 scalps.