Mohammed Siraj picked one wicket each in two innings against Sri Lanka in second Test till now.
Cheteshwar Pujara, a former India player, has alleged that Mohammed Siraj is either suffering from a niggle or another problem during the present second Test against Sri Lanka. He noted that the top bowler lacked the nip he is known for when bowling with the new ball.
Siraj bowled 1/11 in nine overs during Sri Lanka's second innings in Colombo on Wednesday, August 26. The hosts finished Day 4 on 229/6, with a 16-run lead, having been invited to follow on earlier in the day.
During a discussion, Pujara mentioned that Siraj's lack of pace is problematic. However, he praised the right-arm seamer for landing a key punch with the new ball.
"His commitment is full. He can never bowl or field with half-hearted effort. A slight concern was visible in his bowling because you see his pace drop very rarely. In this Test match and this innings, it could be either a niggle or some difficulty, and that's why his pace was seen at around 125 or 130 kph,” Pujara said on Sony Sports.
"Hopefully, he doesn't have too much difficulty, but this is a one-off. You very rarely see Mohammed Siraj's pace being so low. We saw his commitment in fielding. The only thing I felt in his bowling today was that, with the new ball, the nip he is known for wasn't there. Despite that, he gave an important wicket to the Indian team with the new ball. He bowled a very good bouncer," he added.
In the current series against Sri Lanka, Mohammed Siraj stated that he is looking for rhythm. But when Saransh Jain caught Lahiru Udara at deep fine leg off a bouncer, he gave India a significant breakthrough with the new ball.
During the same conversation, former Indian batter and wicketkeeper Srikar Bharat was questioned over Mohammed Siraj's outstanding, if unsuccessful, attempt to catch Pasindu Sooriyabandara.
"Siraj is always like a lion on the field. We have seen that when he bowls. He has a very big heart. Whether it's in bowling or fielding, on or outside the ground, it doesn't matter to him. He puts in a lot of effort.
He knew the ball was far, but one rarely sees such an effort coming from a fast bowler. Siraj got injured, went out, did icing, and then returned. He gives his everything until the last ball. We have seen that repeatedly. That is why he became Miyan," Bharat stated.
Mohammed Siraj had suffered an injury scare as he dived to take a catch of Pasindu Sooriyabandara and was seen walking off to get treatment for a rib injury.