Veteran spinner R Ashwin has strongly endorsed the selection committee's decision to include Mohammed Siraj in India's ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand, viewing it as a crucial strategic move toward the 2027 World Cup. Ashwin emphasized that Siraj’s experience is vital for complementing Jasprit Bumrah as the team builds its core pace attack.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin called Siraj's return "well deserved," noting that while young talents like Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana

Siraj, who represents Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL, has consistently delivered high-quality performances in white-ball cricket. His inclusion ensures that India maintains a potent and experienced fast bowling combination, providing stability and depth as they prepare for future global events.

“Siraj's coming back was well deserved. India would know they need experience for the 2027 World Cup. Sure, Arshdeep is there, Harshit is there, Prasidh is there. But we cannot take these three together. We need Bumrah and with him, we have Siraj's experience. I am very happy for him, and I think it is a decision in the right direction.”
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Among pacers, the attack will be led by Mohammed Siraj as the most experienced bowler in the unit, whereas Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana are there too alongside Prasidh Krishna.
Bowler

In the previous encounter, the 39-year-old hit a scintillating century, which was also the ninth century of his T20 career, as he equalled Virat Kohli and Rilee Rossouw's record for most centuries in the shortest format.
Batter

Meanwhile, Kohli has 27,975 runs in 556 matches for the Men in Blue. He needs just 42 runs to become the second-highest run-getter in international cricket, eclipsing the legendary Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter.
Batter
“Siraj's coming back was well deserved. India would know they need experience for the 2027 World Cup. Sure, Arshdeep is there, Harshit is there, Prasidh is there. But we cannot take these three together. We need Bumrah and with him, we have Siraj's experience. I am very happy for him, and I think it is a decision in the right direction.”