Siraj Returns from Caribbean Tour Ahead of ODI Series
Amid preparations for the first of three ODIs against the West Indies, India’s celebrated speedster, Mohammed Siraj, has made an unexpected journey back home. As per sources from ESPNcricinfo, Siraj, along with notable players like Ravichandran Ashwin, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat, and Navdeep Saini, has returned after the test series.
UPDATE – Mohd. Siraj has been released from Team India’s ODI squad ahead of the three-match series against the West Indies.
The right-arm pacer complained of a sore ankle and as a precautionary measure has been advised rest by the BCCI medical team.
More details here… pic.twitter.com/Fj7V6jIxOk
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 27, 2023
Why Siraj’s Absence is Significant
Many anticipated Siraj to spearhead the pace brigade, featuring standouts like Hardik Pandya, Jaydev Unadkat, Shardul Thakur, Mukesh, and Umran Malik. The absence of Mohammed Shami, another rested speedster, only heightened these expectations.
The Reason Behind Siraj’s Rest
BCCI’s move to bench Siraj from the ODI leg of the Caribbean tour seems to be rooted in workload considerations. With a jam-packed schedule ahead – the Asia Cup in August-September, followed by a trilateral series at home against Australia – the board seems to be strategizing its players’ fitness and availability, especially with the domestic ODI World Cup looming in October.
Siraj’s Stellar Performance
Despite missing out on the T20I segment of the West Indies tour, Siraj’s recent performances have been commendable. He bagged seven wickets across two Tests during this tour, triggering a West Indies batting fiasco with a five-wicket haul in one innings. Moreover, his contributions in the last ODI against Australia in March 2022 remain etched in memory. Clinching five wickets, he was India’s top performer. Impressively, since the dawn of 2022, he has amassed 43 ODI wickets, the highest for any Indian bowler.
A Look Ahead
With Siraj’s return, fans and pundits will be keenly watching the Indian team’s performance in the upcoming series. While the move to rest key players can be seen as a strategic approach, it also provides an opportunity for upcoming talent to step up and make a mark. It remains to be seen how Team India adjusts its lineup and strategies in the absence of its frontline pacer.
(Image credit: Md Siraj Twitter)
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