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Asia Cup 2025: Former India chief selector and 1983 World Cup-winning member, Kris Srikkanth has put his weight behind Mohammed Siraj for the upcoming T20 Asia Cup 2025. While there have been reports that Siraj may not make his T20I comeback in the upcoming tournament, Srikkanth feels that the 31-year-old will be used as "the extra medium pacer".
"Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are certainties. I believe Siraj will be given the nod ahead of Prasidh Krishna. He has those fighting qualities. Prasidh bowled very well in the IPL. He did a brilliant job, but Siraj should be in the reckoning as the extra medium pacer,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.
"Both Prasidh and Siraj bowled well for GT in all fairness. But, on current form, Siraj has that momentum as well as rhythm. I will continue with Siraj," he added.
Siraj and Krishna’s T20I numbers
Siraj was not picked in the T20I and ODI squad for home series against England earlier this year. He wasn’t part of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad either. From 16 T20Is, he has claimed 14 wickets at an average of 32.28, including a four-wicket haul. His economy rate is 7.79 runs per over. His last T20I appearance was against Sri Lanka last year.
On the other hand, Krishna claimed eight wickets from five games at an average of 27.50. His economy rate is on the higher side at 11 runs per over. His last T20I game was against Australia in November 2023 when Glenn Maxwell hit him for a last-ball six to win the game.
Performance in IPL 2025
Siraj was roped in by Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans (GT) in the mega auction. He bagged 16 wickets from 15 games at an average of 32.93 and economy rate of 9.24 runs per over.
Krishna had his best IPL, taking 25 wickets from 15 games at an average of 19.52 and conceded runs at an economy rate of 8.27 runs per over. He won the purple cap as well.
Srikkanth picks spin attack
Srikkanth is uncertain whether Kuldeep Yadav will make it to the squad. He has backed Washington Sundar as the spin-bowling all-rounder.
"Whether Kuldeep Yadav gets a place, we'll have to wait and see. He might be in the 15, but I don't think he will be in the XI if Washington Sundar is playing. I will pick Washington Sundar. You need an off-spinner against left-handers. Varun Chakaravarthy is a certainty."
Sundar has played 54 T20Is and taken 48 wickets at an average of 23.50. His economy rate of 6.94 runs per over stands out. He is yet to deliver consistent performances with the bat. So far, he has 193 runs from 22 innings at an average of 13.78, including a century. His strike rate on the T20I stage is 121.38.
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