Mohammed Siraj made an immediate impact on his return to India’s ODI side, producing a brilliant delivery to dismiss West Indies opener John Campbell during the third ODI at the PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh on October 3. The Indian pacer also brought out his trademark celebration after removing one of the visitors’ in-form batters. India had already sealed the three-match ODI series after winning the first two matches by eight wickets.
With the series result decided, the team management made three changes to the playing XI, including Siraj’s return. The experienced fast bowler wasted little time reminding everyone of his ability to make an impact with the new ball. Mohammed Siraj struck in the fifth over of the West Indies innings. He bowled a full delivery that moved back into Campbell after pitching around the good-length area. The left-hander attempted to swing the ball across the line but failed to make contact.
The delivery beat Campbell’s inside edge, brushed his pad and went on to crash into the off-stump. Siraj immediately celebrated the breakthrough in his trademark style, while India celebrated the early wicket.
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Campbell had been given a reprieve shortly before his dismissal. In the third over, he attempted to play a delivery on the up but sliced the ball towards third man. Gurnoor Brar was unable to hold on to a relatively straightforward chance, denying debutant Anshul Kamboj his maiden ODI wicket.
However, the missed opportunity did not prove costly for long. Campbell managed only 10 runs before Siraj removed him with the first delivery of the following over.
Gautam Gambhir keeps on dropping Mohammed Siraj for likes of Gurnoor Brar & Harshit Rana. Siraj, keeps on delivering.
He is also clicking 140 KPH tonight, I wish Indian team learn to treat him better!pic.twitter.com/5pYjeexkte
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) October 3, 2026
Siraj’s return comes after he was rested for the opening two ODIs as India rotated their pace attack. His last ODI appearance had come against New Zealand in Indore on January 18, 2026. The pacer had subsequently featured in Test cricket, where managing his workload remained an important consideration given his heavy schedule.
Known for his relentless workload and ability to bowl long spells, Siraj appeared fresh on his return. He maintained an attacking length from the beginning and generated movement with the new ball. Although he conceded a few runs, he stuck to his plans and was rewarded with the crucial wicket of Campbell.
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India will hope Siraj can build on his impressive opening spell when he returns for his second stint during the West Indies innings.
Earlier, India posted a commanding 351/5 to set West Indies a target of 352. KL Rahul led the way with a sensational unbeaten 129, while Rohit Sharma narrowly missed a century after scoring 92. Ruturaj Gaikwad also made a valuable contribution with a half-century as India’s top order and middle order combined to put the hosts in a strong position.
