Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has lavished praise on Mohammed Siraj after India registered a 29-run win against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Saturday. Siraj, who was called into the squad at the eleventh hour after Harshit Rana’s injury, was able to get off the blocks quickly.
The fast bowler from Hyderabad got into the playing XI after Jasprit Bumrah was down with fever. Siraj returned with impressive figures of 3-29 in his quota of four overs to play a key role in restricting the USA to 132.
Pathan noted that Siraj is a different bowler in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and lauded the pacer for his performance.
Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube Channel, “When Bumrah is not playing, Siraj is completely different . Mohammed Siraj’s record with and without Bumrah is on a different level. The way he took three wickets was outstanding. I was very clear about who should get the new ball. I had even mentioned in commentary before he came on that Mohammed Siraj should have the new ball.”
“When he got the new ball, he got hit for a six, adjusted his lengths, and took wickets. The wicket of Gous was particularly crucial because if he had stayed at the crease, playing aggressively for three to four overs, he could have taken the game away. Gous is the kind of player who plays at a very high strike rate, and Siraj managed to dismiss him. After that, he took another wicket with his swinging deliveries,” he added.
The former swing bowler said Siraj is a true fighter as he always tries to give his absolute best for the team.
He concluded, “You didn’t see fancy slower balls or lots of yorkers and bouncers. He bowled the way he always does, with the new ball, and took wickets. Two early wickets, and then later even used yorkers to finish the match. Overall, Mohammed Siraj’s comeback and the way he bowled show that a true fighter with a big heart can always come back even after setbacks. He waits for his opportunity and makes the most of it. This was a big opportunity, and Mohammed Siraj made a huge contribution.”
India will next take on Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on February 12.
