Siraj embraces selection uncertainty, prioritizes IPL performance for India comeback
What's the story
Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj is focusing on his performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 rather than a return to international cricket.
This comes after he was not included in the Indian squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The cricketer's last appearance was in Australia's Border-Gavaskar Trophy series and he is now set to don the Gujarat Titans jersey in IPL 2025.
"Look, selection is not in my hands," stated Siraj as quoted by PTI.
Here's more.
Selection perspective
Selection is beyond my control: Siraj
Siraj has decided not to focus on his exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad.
He is concentrating on his performance and fitness for IPL 2025.
"I have only a cricket ball in my hands and I wanted to do as much as I can with that," he said, reflecting this perspective.
As mentioned, the pacer will play for the Titans this season, after a seven-year tenure with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Future plans
Siraj's focus remains on IPL 2025
Siraj confirmed that although future tours like England and the Asia Cup are on his radar, his primary focus is IPL 2025.
"Yeah aș a player, it remains in the back of your mind, but I don't really seriously think about it," he stated.
He wants to help GT clinch another IPL title.
This was made clear when he said, "I don't want to put pressure on myself thinking about selection, as I want to focus on my performance."
Training focus
Siraj utilized break to enhance fitness and bowling skills
During his time away from international cricket, Siraj concentrated on his fitness and bowling.
He particularly focused on mastering slower balls and yorkers.
"I wanted to work on my slower balls and yorkers. This time I really used to work on those areas," he stated.
"I have worked really hard with how to bowl with new and old balls," he added, adding that he utilized this break to focus on these aspects.
Coaching collaboration
Siraj looks forward to working with Ashish Nehra
Siraj is excited to work with former Indian cricketer Ashish Nehra, who has established a solid reputation as a coach.
Siraj appreciates Nehra's experience and hopes to learn from him.
"As a fast bowler, Ashu bhai has done a lot for Indian cricket, he was a genuine match-winner for the country. I want to learn some things from him that I feel will improve me as a bowler," Siraj said about his new coach.
Stats
Siraj's 2024 IPL and overall IPL numbers
During the 2024 season, Siraj bagged 15 scalps in 14 games at 33.07.
He also owned an economy rate of 8.65 and returned with the best figures of 3/43.
Overall, he owns 93 scalps from 93 matches at an average of 30.35.
His overall economy rate reads 8.65, and he also owns two four-wicket hauls while 4/21 is his best figures overall.