It’s rare that a fast bowler is the best fielder in a match or a series. But Mohammed Siraj is here to buck the trend as he was the winner of the Indian team dressing room fielding medal for the recently-concluded T20I series in South Africa.
The series was drawn 1-1. The first T20I was washed out. The second T20I was won by South Africa before Suryakumar Yadav’s century helped India win the 3rd T20I and avoid a series loss.
Mohammed Siraj was a live wire in the field as he dismissed the in-form South African batsman Reeza Hendricks with a superb direct-hit run-out early in South Africa’s innings.
I was waiting for this medal since the World Cup: Mohammed Siraj
India’s fielding coach, T Dilip, has brought back the dressing room fielding medal that created a big buzz during the World Cup 2023. T Dilip said that he will now give the fielding medal for every series, instead of every match.
He nominated three Indian players – Rinku Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Mohammed Siraj – as the best Indian fielders of this T20I series with the fast bowler getting the medal.
“We often talk about making a difference in the field. Not just in one match, but throughout the series. And the perseverance at which he worked throughout the World Cup and the still the way, after he bowls an over, comes back, dives and throws the ball back. Today he made a difference with his direct hit, yesterday, boundary line awareness catch. The winner would be none other than – Mohammed Siraj,” T Dilip said.
Siraj’s elation at winning this medal could be observed in his smile and the emotions in his words. He said he’d been waiting to win this medal since the World Cup.
“Should I say something? This is not a medal… I was waiting for this medal since the World Cup and I have finally got it. The lesson to take away from here is – never give up,” the seamer said.
Watch the video here:
The much loved Fielding Medal 🥇 ceremony is 🔙 in a new avatar 👌
Introducing – The 'Impact Fielder of the T20I Series' 🙌 💪#TeamIndia | #SAvIND
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 15, 2023
Siraj is rested from the ODI series and will return in the Test series, starting December 26.
