In the second one-day match between India and West Indies, held on Wednesday, September 30, at Barsapara ground in Guwahati, the Indian team did not include the star fast bowler Mohammad Siraj in the squad. Overall, the Indian bowling attack, especially the fast bowlers, proved ineffective during this match.
Many social media users criticized the decision to leave Siraj out of the squad. Siraj himself appeared very dejected; visible sadness was on his face while sitting on the bench in Guwahati. During the drinks break, when he came onto the field, his expression did not show obvious frustration, but at that moment, the Indian bowlers were receiving harsh criticism.
Previously, in the three-match series in Thiruvananthapuram, Mohammad Siraj also did not get a chance to play. In Guwahati, the team management once again left him out of the squad. Instead, Jammu and Kashmir's fast bowler Aqib Nabi made his debut. However, his debut was not memorable: he conceded 84 runs in 8.5 overs and took no wickets. Thus, he became the Indian bowler who conceded the most runs in his ODI debut.
Nabi broke the record of Carson Gavaskar, who conceded 83 runs in 11 overs against England at Lord's in 1975. Furthermore, his economy rate in his ODI debut, which stood at 9.51, was the lowest among bowlers who bowled at least 30 overs.
Akash Chopra questioned the coaching staff's decision to keep Siraj out of the game. He noted that without Bumrah, the team's bowling looks quite weak and believes that Siraj should be given more chances, as he is essentially reduced to being a player for only one format, which was not always the case. Other users also expressed dissatisfaction, calling it unfair to Siraj, emphasizing that he puts in maximum effort in every match.
Other fast bowlers delivered the following performances: Guruveer Barah took 2 wickets, conceding 96 runs in 10 overs, and Prasidh Krishna took one wicket, conceding 45 runs in 5 overs. The Indian team also feels the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who is attending the Asian Games. Questions arise about how the Indian team will perform in the ODI World Cup 2027 if it continues to play with such a lineup, ignoring Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammad Shami. Siraj's absence also raises questions, considering he is considered an ODI specialist.
