Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has put his weight behind Mohammed Siraj to bounce back into the team after being dropped from England ODIs and Champions Trophy squad. Siraj was ignored by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection despite consistent performances in the 50-over format. Siraj has 71 wickets in 44 ODIs and thus his omission surprised one and all.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar reasoned that Siraj might not have been effective with the old ball and it played a key role in his exclusion.

India have picked three fast bowlers – Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh for the Champions Trophy squad.

Sanjay Manjrekar said on ESPN Cricinfo, “Mohammed Siraj will now get a chance to recharge his battery because Indian cricket will not sideline him so quickly.”

Manjrekar noted that ODI series against England will present a good opportunity to Mohammed Shami to get back to full bowling fitness. Shami played two T20Is against England and picked three wickets in the final game after going wicketless in the third T20I.

He added, “A nice opportunity for Mohammed Shami to make his comeback step by step because in T20 you have to be on the spot from the first over. Bowling 10 overs in 3.5 hours is a different challenge in 50 overs. So, Shami has a good opportunity to return to full fitness.”

The cricket analyst added it would be a perfect opportunity for the team’s think tank to introduce Arshdeep Singh into the ODI team.

Sanjay concluded, “Arshdeep Singh is in form and his confidence is good. There is quality in bowling, and he gets the ball to seam and swing, a perfect time to introduce him in this [50-over format]. Don’t think of him only as a T20 bowler. A good opportunity for Arshdeep.”

The first ODI between India and England will be played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur on Thursday.