Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: No place for Mohammed Siraj in former selector's India XI

Former India selector Jatin Paranjape has made an unexpected suggestion regarding India's bowling lineup for the upcoming tour of Australia later this year. He believes that priority should be given to the current form over past performance.

India, fresh off a brilliant 2-0 Test series victory against Bangladesh, are gearing up for a challenging five-match Test series in Australia. The tour is crucial for India's final standing in the World Test Championship. Despite their recent successes Down Under, the team is well aware of the challenge they will be up against.

Paranjape also opened up on the uncertain fitness status of Mohammed Shami. He reckons that if Shami is unfit, India should opt for the trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj, and Akash Deep. However, he feels that if Shami is available, then he would pick Akash Deep ahead of Siraj as the third pacer alongside Bumrah and Shami.

“If he (Shami) is not fit, Siraj will obviously become the second fast bowler behind Bumrah. The third bowler spot will go to Akash Deep if Shami is unavailable. I think India will take five fast bowlers on this tour, and those will be Bumrah, Shami, Siraj, Akash Deep, and Mukesh Kumar. They will also take Arshdeep and one or two other fast bowlers as backups,” Paranjape told Times of India.

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India will have a squad of 16: Jatin Paranjape

Paranjape also emphasised current form over past achievements in Australian conditions, which he believes should be the selection criteria. He further explained the potential squad composition.

“Essentially, they will have a squad of 16, plus a backup squad of six or seven players who will travel with the team in case of injuries. If Shami is fit—and I think he will be—I’d be tempted to play Akash Deep ahead of Mohammed Siraj, purely based on current form,” said the former selector.

Meanwhile, before traveling to Australia, India will play a three-home Test series against New Zealand starting from October 16 at the Bengaluru's M.Chinnaswamy Stadium.