Pacer Mohammed Siraj is facing severe criticism for his below-par showing during India’s eight-wicket defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the first Test match in Bengaluru.
Siraj managed to pick only two wickets in the series opener. In particular, his struggle in the second innings has been concerning for India. The right-arm quick has failed to claim a wicket in the second innings over the past seven Test matches.
On Day 5 of the first Test, Jasprit Bumrah dismissed openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway to build pressure on New Zealand during the 107-run chase but Siraj leaked runs from the other end as the Kiwis overhauled the target in 27.4 overs.
Ahead of the second Test, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar didn’t mince his words as he said that Mohammed Siraj needs to be reminded of his poor form.
“Sometimes it can happen that a pacer doesn’t get a wicket because of the surfaces but Bumrah has managed to get wickets. Akash Deep as well, when he has played, he has managed to get wickets. Somewhere you got to put Mohammed Siraj in the spotlight,” Manjrekar told ESPNCricinfo.
“I love his attitude - the dive that he put in while he was in the middle of the spell, those are things to admire.
“This Test match has been about fast bowlers bringing their team into the game and that’s where India wanted more from Siraj. He’s an experienced bowler now and I was surprised that Rohit Sharma went to for this reason as well. You might go to Bumrah and if he is not doing well, you might still want him to bowl more because of his track record and recent form, Siraj hasn’t had that, so I was really surprised that Rohit Sharma stuck with him for so long when he had other three spinning options,” he added.
Manjrekar suggested Siraj should be served a warning by the team management while also adding that Akash Deep could replace him in Pune for the second Test.
“All that can be done is maybe give Siraj that impression that we are concerned about form and that should be enough. Because he is a trier and he has got some skills. But somewhere you feel he is flying under the radar a bit with his return and somewhere the team management or anyone has to bring that in focus and that should be perhaps a way to back get him back (to form),” the cricket-turned-commentator said.
“There are not too many around who you can say are definitely better than Siraj and Akash Deep will come in case there’s anything in Pune for the seam bowlers but Siraj must be shown his numbers of late,” he concluded.
