Following India's recent batting collapse in the Raipur ODI against South Africa, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has voiced his surprise and disappointment over the continued exclusion of pacer Mohammed Siraj from the national squad. Chopra questioned the logic behind the decision, especially after witnessing the team's struggles in the match.

Chopra expressed his views on his YouTube channel, stating that Siraj has not performed badly enough to warrant being dropped from the team. He felt that Siraj should have been included in the squad, even if it meant leaving out one of the spinners. Chopra highlighted concerns about the fitness of other pacers like Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, further strengthening his argument for Siraj's inclusion. He found it particularly surprising that Harshit Rana was being considered for ODIs ahead of Siraj.

"He hasn't done so much wrong that he is not even featured in the squad. I feel for DSP. Siraj, I am feeling for you. Siraj could have been picked," Chopra said on his YouTube channel. He questioned whether Siraj had become a "single-format player," implying that the selectors might be pigeonholing him.

Chopra has been a vocal advocate for Siraj's inclusion in the ODI squad for some time. He previously expressed his disappointment over Siraj's omission from India's ICC Champions Trophy squad. At the time, he suggested that Siraj's consistent ODI performances should have earned him a place over Ravindra Jadeja. Chopra argued that Siraj would have been a more valuable asset to the team and would have contributed more. He felt that Jadeja might not even find a place in the playing XI.

Chopra has also emphasized Siraj's impressive ODI statistics since January 2022, noting that he has played the most ODIs, bowled the most overs and maidens, and has the second-best economy after Jasprit Bumrah. He also dismissed concerns about Siraj's effectiveness with the old ball, citing data that suggests Siraj has been better after the 26th over than some of the best bowlers in the world.

Former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has echoed Chopra's sentiments, expressing his disappointment over Siraj's exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad. Sidhu stated that he would have preferred a team with four seamers and three spinners, ensuring Siraj's inclusion.

The debate surrounding Siraj's exclusion raises questions about the team management's selection strategy and their assessment of Siraj's role in the ODI setup. With the Champions Trophy 2025 approaching, the decision to leave out a bowler with Siraj's recent track record has come under increasing scrutiny.