Mohammed Siraj, the ace pacer, has had a challenging run lately, claiming just six wickets across his last three Test matches—four against Bangladesh and two against New Zealand in Bengaluru. This has raised questions about his spot in the playing XI, especially with Akash Deep waiting in the wings after some impressive performances.
However, fellow star pacer Mohammed Shami has come forward to reassure fans that there’s no need to worry about Siraj’s form, insisting that the 30-year-old will soon find his rhythm again. Shami emphasized the importance of focusing on the basics and consistently targeting specific areas on the pitch. He understands that Siraj is experiencing a rough patch, noting that sometimes even well-delivered balls don’t lead to wickets, and catches are occasionally dropped.
“Siraj is not new to the game; he has considerable experience. At times, things don’t go as planned. I believe he’s in a phase where he’s eager to take wickets, but luck isn’t on his side right now. When he gets edges, catches aren’t being held,” Mohammed Shami explained during an interview with SportsTak.
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He advised Mohammed Siraj to remain calm and concentrate on bowling to a specific spot, believing that success will follow. “Everyone goes through phases like this. There’s no need to get frustrated. Just focus on the basics, and once he starts seeing results, no one will be able to stop him,” Mohammed Shami added.
On another note, Shami, who emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup 2023, is still on the road to recovery. He sustained an ankle injury during the tournament and underwent surgery, but he hasn’t yet fully regained his fitness.
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Currently training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, Shami is eager to return for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. To prove his fitness ahead of the series, Shami has expressed a desire to participate in a couple of Ranji Trophy matches for Bengal. However, the medical team at the NCA is closely monitoring his progress and is determined not to rush him back into action.
