Ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has named Mohammed Siraj as India’s current best fast bowler, even ahead of the more experienced Jasprit Bumrah.
Siraj has impressed one and all with his exploits in the 50-over format this year. The right-arm quick has played 14 ODIs in 2023 so far, claiming 30 wickets at a remarkable average of 14.70 and an economy rate of 4.91.
Siraj also played an instrumental role in India’s Asia Cup 2023 triumph last month. He finished the continental tournament with 10 wickets at an average of 12.2, including a six-wicket haul (6/21) in the final against Sri Lanka.
“I am really impressed with him. No one took him seriously or rated him highly when he stepped into white-ball cricket. The way he has progressed and performed in white ball cricket is just amazing and outstanding. He is improving by leaps and bounds. He is a captain's man. He is phenomenal with both the red and white ball. I would give credit to RCB. They have played a big role in his development. Virat Kohli has played a big role in his career. In fact, Siraj has said this many times that Virat supports him a lot,” Amir told The Times of India.
After his heroics in the Asia Cup, Mohammed Siraj also achieved the numero uno position in the ICC Men’s ODI Rankings for bowlers.
“That's a good sign. India did a very good thing that they didn't write off Siraj. India supported him in every situation. Siraj gained a lot of confidence from that support. India continued to play him in every format. In Tests, he is at par with Shami and taking India's pace attack to another level. He is doing well for India in all formats. India were totally dependent and stuck on Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah in the last 3-4 years. But now their boys and new bowlers have started chipping in, which is a brilliant sign for the team,” Amir added.
Siraj is expected to play a key role for India in the upcoming ODI World Cup at home, scheduled to get underway on October 5. The Men in Blue will open their World Cup campaign against Australia in Chennai on October 8.
