Shemin Abdulmajeed
Some players have a certain energy when they step on the field. And so it flows to teammates. Their enthusiasm can turn the tide of the game in their favor. Mohammad Siraj seems to be such a player. Siraj has an aggression and excitement that other Indian bowlers lack. In unfavorable situations, you can see Siraj making something happen when he is at a loss and doesn’t know what to do next. On such occasions, he can be seen taking the leadership of the bowling line himself.
It is this leadership quality that Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammad Shami lack. Siraj has become a bowler that the captain can rely on in the absence of Bumrah when the batsmen falter. From provoking the batter with words to outswingers, wobble seam deliveries, bouncers and wide yorkers, Siraj is used to using all the necessary weapons at the right time.
Perhaps it was the setbacks he faced in the early part of his career that enabled Siraj to do so. The constant setbacks and teasing must have made him a lot stronger. He is becoming India’s all-format bowler after Jasprit Bumrah and the captain of the Indian bowling line-up. Siraj’s transformation from a bowler who used to give away runs to a bowler whom the captain can bravely bowl when he needs a wicket in the power play, middle overs and death overs has been amazing.
Siraj is able to revive India’s hopes as the World Cup approaches. With the return of Bumrah, the aggression of the Siraj-Bumrah combo will give the Indian fans a lot of excitement.
Virat Kohli, the other players and the management team can be happy, who kept up with the setbacks and protected and gave his aggression.. Mohammad Siraj has only just started. May the mian magic continue..
Credit: Malayali Cricket Zone