'You Will Have To Play Siraj,' Ex Opener Goes Against Two Indian Veterans
Mohammed Siraj has been India's best ODI bowler recently [Source:X.com]
With the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna returning from injury, India's bowling unit for the ICC World Cup 2023 looks solid. Apart from Bumrah, and Krishna, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur will help India roundoff a formidable fast-bowling attack and battle against top batters in any given conditions.
With Shami and Bumrah being touted as front-line pacers, the place for will be India's third pacer has opened up. Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes that Mohammed Siraj should get the nod ahead of Thakur and Krishna.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former Kolkata Knight Riders player explained Siraj's exponential rise in ODIs and also his record in Asia, which is better than Shami and Bumrah as key factors for being preferred ahead of Thakur and Krishna.
Here's what Chopra said
"Mohammed Siraj is brilliant. He has had a short career. 43 wickets in 24 matches at an average of 20.7 and an economy rate of 4.78. They are better than both Bumrah and Shami's numbers. In Asia, his average becomes 16.57 and economy rate 4.51."
"His numbers in Asia are better than his numbers outside Asia. So, people who were talking about whether Shardul Thakur or Prasidh Krishna can be played instead of Siraj, you cannot play anyone. You will have to play Siraj only. You should play him."
In 23 ODIs for India, Siraj has picked 43 wickets and also claimed the No.1 ranking in the ICC ODI Bowlers Rankings in January 2023. However, after not featuring in any ODI since March 2023, the right-arm seamer's ranking has dropped down four places.
All the aforementioned bowlers have been selected in India's Asia Cup 2023 squad and will be in action from September 2.
Currently, Team India players are currently attending a six-day preparation camp in Alur.
 "Vishal Mehra")
