Mohammed Siraj, the Indian fast bowler, has emphasized the importance of consistency in his deliveries rather than focusing solely on the number of wickets he takes. Despite facing some issues with rhythm in recent games, Siraj has managed to take nine wickets in seven matches. After an impressive spell of 3/16 in 7 overs against Sri Lanka, where India bowled them out for just 55 runs, Siraj expressed his satisfaction with his performance.
Speaking to the media, Siraj explained his approach, saying, “Taking wickets is important, and there’s no doubt about that. But my rhythm was not consistent in the last 2-3 matches. Sometimes I was in rhythm, and sometimes I was not.” Siraj believes that statistics do not always reflect the true picture, and he does not want to judge himself based on the number of wickets he has taken. Instead, he is pleased with his ability to consistently land the ball in good areas and generate swing.
The game against Sri Lanka showcased Siraj’s execution at its finest. He was able to execute his plans successfully and played a crucial role in India’s victory. Moreover, with this win, India has qualified for the semifinals, which adds to Siraj’s happiness.
Despite the talks of India’s bowling lineup being their best, especially with Mohammed Shami’s exceptional performances and Jasprit Bumrah being at the top of his game, Siraj prefers not to get involved in such discussions or make comparisons. He believes that when the team is performing well, everyone praises the combination, but when performances decline, there are talks of dropping certain players. Siraj wants to ignore the negative comments and focus on the positives.
Siraj is pleased with the performance of the entire Indian bowling attack throughout the World Cup. He believes that each member of the unit has stepped up at various stages, and a key factor in their success is the sharing of information and important messages during matches. The fast bowlers discuss the lines and lengths to bowl on specific wickets, which helps them push the opposition on the back foot. Siraj also highlighted the importance of taking early wickets in the 50-overs format.
As the leader of the pack, Jasprit Bumrah plays a significant role in guiding the other bowlers. He provides input on what lengths to bowl on a particular track. Siraj also seeks advice from wicketkeeper-batter K.L. Rahul, who has been consistently accurate in his judgment during the Decision Review System (DRS) calls. Rahul’s view from behind the stumps helps him make the right decisions.
Siraj expressed his delight in dismissing Dasun Shanaka in the Asia Cup final and Kusal Mendis with identical deliveries, as both dismissals were special to him. Bowling wide of the crease had not resulted in many wickets for him previously, making these successes even more significant.
Overall, Siraj is satisfied with his performance and is eager to continue building on the momentum. He believes in the strength of India’s fast bowling unit and the importance of team cohesion in their success. With the semifinals approaching, Siraj and the rest of the Indian team are focused on maintaining their positive mindset and delivering strong performances.