Why Mohammed Siraj has had limited ODI opportunities since 2023

Mohammed Siraj has seen his appearances for India in One-Day Internationals fall markedly since the 2023 World Cup, playing only 10 ODIs from the start of 2024 through 2026. The pacer has moved to the periphery of India’s ODI plans even as he remains an established international fast bowler.

Siraj produced a standout 2023, taking 44 wickets in 25 matches and contributing across the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup, with his best figures of 6 for 21 coming against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final. Across his ODI career he has played 51 matches and taken 77 wickets at an average of 25.67. Those returns made him one of India’s most successful limited-overs seamers during that period.

Selectors' rotation of pace options and alterations to India’s bowling combinations have been cited as a factor limiting Siraj’s ODI starts, and the bowler has featured more regularly in Test cricket. That shifting selection approach has reduced the continuity many believe is important for establishing a fixed ODI fast-bowling unit.

Siraj’s match count has been low year by year: three ODIs in 2024, three in 2025 and four in 2026 so far, totaling 10 games since 2024 began. He was omitted from India’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy, a selection decision that increased scrutiny over his place in white-ball plans.

His most recent ODI before the New Zealand series came against the West Indies on October 3, 2026, when he took one wicket for 52 runs. Speaking on Cricbuzz, former India spinner Murali Kartik questioned Siraj’s limited use: “Why are you getting rid of Mohammed Siraj from the playing XI? What wrong has he done?” Kartik also noted Siraj played only one match in the recent ODI series against the West Indies and said the pacer should get a longer run in the team, especially with Jasprit Bumrah unavailable.

With the ODI World Cup scheduled for 2027, India will need to settle their pace-bowling combination. Siraj’s experience and record make him an available option for those plans, but he will require regular opportunities to remain part of the team’s selection picture.