Mohammed Siraj hailed KL Rahul’s wicketkeeping in the tournament.
Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj roared back into beast mode during Team India’s 302-run win over Sri Lanka in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on November 2 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Siraj admitted that there were some rhythm issues in the past couple of games, but he believes in consistently delivering the ball in good areas rather than judging his success by the number of wickets.
The star pacer returned with remarkable figures of 3/16 in 7 overs to help the Men in Blue bundle out Sri Lanka for a meager 55 in response to India's 357/8, as the hosts won the game by 302 runs.
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Mohammed Siraj said in the post-match press conference: “Taking wickets is important and there is no doubt about that. But my rhythm was not consistent for the last 2-3 matches, sometimes I was in rhythm and sometimes I was not. I am not judging myself with (the number of) wickets (taken).”
He added, “The fact that I was able to land the ball consistently (in good areas) and the swing which I got, that you saw, I am very happy about it and I want to carry this momentum forward.”
Speaking about his gameplan against Sri Lanka, Siraj said: “Whatever I had planned coming into this match brought me success and whatever I had thought of, I was able to execute. And I am happy that we have qualified (for the semifinals) as well.”
Meanwhile, Mohammad Shami snared his second five-wicket haul in three games and Jasprit Bumrah was at the top of his performances in every game so far. So, many have been calling it the best fast-bowling combination and the pacer thinks otherwise.
Siraj said, “When we are doing well everyone keeps saying that the combination is good but when the performances go down there are talks that this bowler should be dropped or that one. With just one bad game, everyone talks about changes in combination and dropping the players. We are keeping all the negatives outside and taking all the positives along the way with us.”
He added, “We are passing on these messages to each other which is very important. For fast bowlers, it is very important to bowl in a consistent area. In the 50-overs format, when you take a wicket or two in the powerplay, the opposition team gets pushed on the baback footIt is very important to take wickets early and that is happening, so we want to continue with this momentum.”
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He added, “When Jassi bhai bowls, he gets an idea about what line and length is better on a wicket. He relays the same message to us and I also speak with KL (Rahul) bhai because from his position, he can see how much the ball is swinging or how much movement is off the seam.
I get alerted on getting these messages; say the ball is not swinging, but I still try to find some swing but if there is nothing, then I switch to generating seam movement. It is very good for us as fast bowlers to get such messages and also for the team.”
He signed off by praising KL Rahul’s wicketkeeping, “As a wicketkeeper, it is important to see where the ball is hitting or going down or hitting the stump. He gets a good view from behind and he is taking some very good calls. He practiced a lot during his injury (lay-off) and in the rehab he had good hits so it is working out very well for him as a wicketkeeper and for the team.”
India will next face South Africa in Kolkata on November 5, Sunday, which is also Virat Kohli's 35th birthday.
(PTI inputs)