Mohammed Siraj was one of the star performers during Team India’s heartbreaking defeat by one wicket in the opening match of the ongoing three-match ODI series against Bangladesh on Sunday (December 4) in Dhaka.
He returned the impressive figures of 3/32 in 10 overs in Dhaka. Siraj has been doing a great job with the ball in 2022, taking 21 wickets in 13 matches at an economy rate of 4.33, and he has not only taken wickets but also mired the run flow.
Given his performances in ODI cricket this year, veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik backed Siraj to be part of India's contingent for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2022, which will be held in India next year in October and November.
Karthik said that Siraj is one of the strong contenders going into the fast-bowling attack for the upcoming World Cup 2022, as apart from Jasprit Bumrah’s place, the other slots are open to grab in Team India.
Dinesh Karthik said on Cricbuzz: “He is a handful with the new ball and the fact that through the middle. He is able to pick those wickets as well. He is definitely somebody that India will be looking at. We know Bumrah is there, but the other slots are open for the moment.”
The wicketkeeper continued, “I think Mohammed Siraj is one hell of a strong contender going into the fast-bowling attack that India would possess in this World Cup. He has been really consistent in the recent past. In the South Africa series, he was Man of the Series.”
Karthik concluded, “Against New Zealand, he bowled really well in the T20s. He is looking good. He’s a sure shot going into the World Cup because he picks up wickets and bowls good length.”
