India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has backed senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja to bounce back strongly in the series-deciding third ODI against New Zealand, insisting that the experienced left-arm spinner is just one wicket away from rediscovering his best rhythm. Jadeja has endured a rare lean patch with the ball in the ongoing ODI series, returning figures of 0/44 and 0/56 in the first two matches against New Zealand.

His struggles have extended from the preceding home series against South Africa as well, where he managed only one wicket across three games. However, Siraj dismissed concerns around Jadeja’s form, underlining the confidence the team continues to have in one of India’s most reliable all-rounders.

“I don’t think there is any concern about Jadeja’s form. For a bowler like him, it’s just about getting that one wicket. Once the breakthrough comes, you will see a completely different Jadeja,” Mohammed Siraj said at the pre-match press conference on Saturday.

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Despite his recent wicketless outings, Jadeja’s overall ODI numbers speak volumes about his pedigree. The 35-year-old has scored close to 2,900 runs at an average of over 32 and picked up 232 wickets in 209 ODIs, making him one of India’s most consistent performers in white-ball cricket over the years.

Siraj also reflected on India’s narrow loss in the second ODI, where New Zealand chased down the target to level the three-match series 1-1. The Indian pacer felt the team did several things right but admitted that missed opportunities proved costly.

“We played good cricket in both matches. In the first ODI, everything came together. In the second game, even after early wickets, KL Rahul batted brilliantly and Nitish Reddy chipped in as well,” Mohammed Siraj said.

Speaking about Daryl Mitchell’s match-winning knock, Mohammed Siraj conceded that India had their chances to turn the game around.

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“There was definitely an opportunity. If that catch had been taken, the result could have been different. World-class batters don’t give you many chances, and if you miss one, they make you pay for it,” he explained.

With the series finely poised, India will be hoping for a collective bowling effort in the final ODI on Sunday, with Jadeja’s resurgence potentially playing a decisive role in sealing the series.