WI v IND 2023: Mohammed Siraj rested for ODI series versus West Indies to manage workload – Report

Siraj played both the Test matches against West Indies in Dominica and Port of Spain.

Mohammed Siraj | GettyTeam India have made a change to their ODI squad for the West Indies series at the last moment, with star pacer Mohammed Siraj flying back home alongside the Test specialists including R Ashwin, KS Bharat, Ajinkya Rahane and Navdeep Saini

Siraj, who played both the Test matches against West Indies in Dominica and Port of Spain, has been surprisingly rested from the ODI leg of the Caribbean tour in a World Cup year.

According to a report published in ESPNCricinfo, Siraj has been rested by the BCCI to manage his workload in an eventful year given that there's Asia Cup 2023 and three-match ODI series against Australia to come before the 50-over World Cup at home.

While the India board is yet to provide an official update on the same, no replacement for Siraj has been announced either.

In Siraj's absence, the likes of Jaydev Unadkat, Umran Malik and Mukesh Kumar will take care of the pace bowling department with Hardik Pandya for the support. Shardul Thakur is also part of the ODI squad but he is doubtful for the series opener after missing the second Test owing to a groin injury.

It is worth mentioning here that Siraj was not included in India’s squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against West Indies. Hence, the right-arm quick will get ample rest before the Asia Cup, slated to be played in Pakistan and Sri Lanka from August 30 to September 17.

Siraj was India’s stand-out fast bowler in the Test series. He picked up seven wickets in two Tests, including a career-best 5/60 in the second game in Port of Spain.

(ESPNCricinfo Inputs)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 27 Jul, 2023

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