India is currently playing South Africa in a three-match ODI series, where many young players are getting a chance to prove themselves in the absence of senior players. Mohammed Siraj, arguably India's one of the best 50-over bowlers, has performed admirably for the Men in Blue against the Proteas. The 28-year-old impressed with his death bowling in the second ODI in Ranchi, then delivered a masterclass with the new ball in the series decider.
Meanwhile, the Indian team has yet to name a replacement for the injured Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with Mohammed Siraj making a strong case for selection based on his recent performances. According to Indian fans on social media, he should be on his way to Australia after his excellent opening spell against South Africa in the third ODI in Delhi.
Siraj kept the visitors at bay after dismissing Janneman Malan and Reeza Hendricks in a flurry of fast bowling. He beat both batters after setting them up with some clever bowling. His speed and extra bounce can make him a dangerous weapon on Australian pitches.
Siraj's exploits with the new ball ensured that India were in a good shape in the series finale, with the scoreboard reading 26/3 at the end of the first powerplay. While the Indian pacer rattled two Proteas wickets, it was the spinners who dominated the game. Kuldeep Yadav took four wickets, while Washington Sundar and Shahbaz Ahmed each took two.
As for Bumrah's replacement, Siraj is up against veteran speedster Mohammed Shami, who is currently recovering from a Covid-19. Shami appears to be the obvious choice to replace Bumrah in the upcoming T20 World Cup, but Siraj's recent form may turn the selectors in his favour.
The Indian T20I team is already in Australia, playing warm-up games before taking on archrivals Pakistan in their first match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Here is how Twitter reacted to Mohammed Siraj's performances
Mohammad siraj must be in t-20 world cup and he is better than Harshal patel and bhuvneshwar isko toh pehle hi hona chaiye tha @Rizzvi73
— Bruce Wayne (@Brucewaynee871) October 11, 2022
Mohammad Siraj for World Cup?
— Over Thinker Lawyer 🇵🇰 (@Mujha_q_Nikala) October 11, 2022
Anyone?#T20WorldCup2022
True that, Siraj seriously pushing Shami for that Bumrah spot. Excellent with the new ball too. #IndvsSAodi #T20WC2022
— Deepesh Sharma (@deepesh__sharma) October 11, 2022
Siraj confirms his berth for the world cup
— Doctor by Chance (@iamthemaulik) October 11, 2022
Mohammad Siraj giving everything to grab Bumrah's spot #INDvSA #INDvsSA
— FAIZAN 🧑⚕️ (@kyayaarfaizan) October 11, 2022
5 overs, 2 wickets , 21 dot balls 🏀💫 pic.twitter.com/mcTCJJsAG9
Again selectors has done blunder by not taking siraj to Australia 💀👍
— pragya. (@girlliketoswing) October 11, 2022
Not bad.
— ammarr (@viratian_ammar) October 11, 2022
• Arshdeep
• Bhuvneshwar
• Siraj
• Chahal
• Axar
• Hardik#T20WorldCup
Siraj for #T20WC2022
— CricwormAnna (@CricAnna2) October 11, 2022
Mohmad siraj🔥
— Raj🐺 (@the__choosenone) October 11, 2022
Siraj and powerplay wickets, the incredible form in ODI continues for Siraj.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 11, 2022