Gautam Gambhir, the current head coach of the Indian cricket team, is facing scrutiny regarding the handling of Mohammed Siraj's form and place in the squad, with some suggesting the pacer needs to be dropped. This comes after Siraj, once a mainstay in the Indian bowling attack across all formats, has experienced a dip in form, leading to questions about his continued inclusion in the team.

Siraj's career trajectory has been remarkable. Four years ago, he made a memorable debut against Australia, claiming five wickets. His performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup further cemented his place in the Indian team. However, the year 2024 proved challenging for him, barring a standout performance against South Africa.

More recently, the decision to exclude Siraj from the main squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy sparked controversy and invited criticism towards the Gautam Gambhir-led team management. Fans and experts alike questioned the move, especially since Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out due to injury. The selection of Harshit Rana, a relatively new face in the ODI arena, over Siraj, a seasoned campaigner with 71 wickets in 44 ODIs, raised eyebrows.

Captain Rohit Sharma's explanation that Siraj was not performing well with the new ball further fueled the debate, with some fans calling the decision hypocritical. Despite the criticism, the decision stood, with Siraj named as a non-traveling reserve for the tournament.

In light of India's loss in the Border-Gavaskar series, Gambhir chose to focus on the positives, praising the efforts of youngsters and reserving special mention for Mohammed Siraj's attitude. Gambhir highlighted Siraj's commitment and relentless spirit, emphasizing his value to the team.

Despite the backing, there are suggestions that Siraj needs to prove himself again. While Gambhir has not publicly criticized Siraj's recent performances, the team management seems to be subtly addressing the issue. During a training session, Siraj was observed working extensively on his batting skills, indicating an effort to improve the tail-end's resistance, a possible hint that the team expects more from him in all departments.

Despite the criticism and debate, Siraj remains a valuable asset to the Indian team, and his recent performance in the IPL 2025, where he took 9 wickets and won two Player of the Match awards, suggests a return to form. When questioned about his exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad, Siraj deflected the controversy, stating that it was "God's will," showcasing his positive attitude and team spirit.

Ultimately, Gautam Gambhir and the team management face a tough decision regarding Mohammed Siraj's future in the squad. While Siraj's past contributions are undeniable, his recent form warrants a reassessment. Gambhir's challenge lies in striking a balance between backing an experienced player and making tough calls for the benefit of the team.