Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Mohammed Siraj to return to the playing XI for the upcoming fourth ODI against New Zealand. With India holding a 2-0 advantage in the five-match series, Pathan believes this is the ideal opportunity for the team management to give the experienced fast bowler some valuable game time ahead of the two-Test series. India have already secured the series after winning the opening two matches, while the third ODI was washed out.

Even if New Zealand win the remaining two games, the visitors cannot lose the series and would finish with a 2-2 scoreline. Considering India’s comfortable position, Pathan feels the management should use the remaining fixtures to assess players and prepare for the upcoming red-ball assignments. The former all-rounder specifically suggested including Siraj in the fourth ODI, scheduled to take place at Mount Maunganui on Friday, November 13.

Siraj recently featured for India A in a multi-day match against New Zealand A in Christchurch, where he picked up four wickets. However, his last appearance in an international ODI came against the West Indies in New Chandigarh on October 3. The right-arm pacer conceded 52 runs and claimed one wicket in his eight-over spell. Since then, he has not featured in another 50-over international for India.

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India have also released Anshul Kamboj from the ODI squad to allow him to begin preparations for the upcoming Test series. Kamboj featured in the first two matches, and his departure leaves the management with an opportunity to bring another fast bowler into the playing XI.

Speaking on Cricinfo, Irfan Pathan urged the selectors and team management to consider Siraj as Kamboj’s replacement. He believes bowling a full 10-over spell in an international match would help the pacer regain his rhythm while allowing the management to assess his current white-ball form.

“This is the perfect time to play him as well. Right now, India can’t lose a series. So, India is in a very strong position. Siraj should get a game also because he hasn’t played cricket for some time now. The Test matches are coming up. If he gets those 10 overs going for himself, it will be good for his Test match preparation. The selectors and the management will get an idea where Siraj is with his white-ball cricket,” Irfan Pathan said.

Irfan Pathan highlights Mohammed Siraj’s Test preparation. Irfan Pathan also pointed out that playing a practice match for India A is considerably different from competing in an international fixture. According to him, the fourth ODI would provide Siraj with a more demanding opportunity to test his bowling under match conditions. The former India cricketer added that he wants to see the team’s premier fast bowler fully prepared when the two-Test series against New Zealand begins.

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“A practice game is different. International cricket is different. I want to see my premier fast bowler be ready for Test cricket when the time comes,” Irfan Pathan added. He further believes that a strong performance with the ball would allow Siraj to demonstrate his readiness for ODI cricket and remind the selectors that he remains a valuable option in India’s white-ball setup.