India pacer Mohammed Siraj, who served as Jasprit Bumrah's second-in-charge while Mohammed Shami was away for rehab from ankle surgery, was on Saturday, January 18 dropped from the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy. India skipper Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced the 15-member team for the three ODIs against England as well as the ICC tournament.

Even as Shami made a comeback to the ODI team after the 50-over World Cup in 2023, Siraj didn't find a place in the squad. Harshit Rana, who played two Tests against Australia, has been picked to play just the England ODI series.

With left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh bagging a spot after finishing as the highest wicket-taker in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and brilliant performances in international cricket, he was the top wicket-taker on India's ODI series in South Africa in 2023, Siraj didn't find a place in the team.

"We are not sure about Bumrah, whether he is going to play or not. So, we thought we wanted someone who could bowl with the new ball and at the backend. So we picked Arshdeep to bowl at the backend. Shami, we all saw what he can do with the new ball," Rohit Sharma told the media on Saturday.

"Siraj, his effectiveness comes down when he is not bowling with the new ball. It's an unfortunate thing that he has to miss out. But, we had no option but to get the guys who could perform a certain role. I feel we have guys who can bowl with the new ball, bowl in the middle, and bowl at the backend," Rohit added.

Siraj's last ODI appearance was in the three-match series against Sri Lanka in August, where he picked three wickets in as many matches.

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