The Indian cricket team got off to a losing start on the ongoing tour of Bangladesh as they lost the 1st ODI match by a meager margin of 1 wicket. While the batters had a poor outing for India no batter excluding KL Rahul (73 off 70 balls) stepped up and the team was folded for a paltry 186 after 50 overs. The Indian bowlers performed well and India was on the brink of victory, having reduced Bangladesh to 136/9 in the 187-run chase, however, Mehidy Hasan produced a sublime effort and took his side to victory.
Amid all this, Mohammed Siraj produced a game-changing spell as he continued his red-hot form. Mohammad Siraj ran through the Bangladesh batting line-up with his amazing bowling performance. Siraj ended with the figures of 3/32 in his 10 overs, picking up the wickets of Anamul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Hasan Mahmud.
Meanwhile, veteran keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has backed Mohammed Siraj to be in the World Cup squad all thanks to his impact in all stages of the match and his ability to pick wickets as well. As the ODI World Cup 2023 is scheduled to take place in the next few months, DK feels Siraj is somebody that India will be looking at for the marquee event. Speaking on Cricbuzz, DK said:
“He is 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.”
He added: “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,”
Siraj has been exceptional this year. So far, in 2022, Siraj has taken 21 wickets in 13 matches at an economy rate of 4.33, and not only he has taken regular wickets but has also managed to restrict the run-flow.
“He has been really consistent in the recent past. In the South Africa series, he was Man of the Series. 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,”
