Ishant Sharma Vs Mohammed Siraj: Harbhajan Singh Picks His Favourite For Ind vs NZ WTC Final

Ahead of the much-awaited final match of the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Test Championship at England's Southampton, there is a constant debate on which Indian fast-bowler, Ishant Sharma or Mohammad Siraj, should get a place in Team India's playing XI. Photo Courtesy: AFP

In the absence of Ishant Sharma, young star speedster Mohammad Siraj bowled brilliantly during India's tour of Australia. Many cricket pundits have backed Siraj, saying that seeing his current form, it is he and not Ishant Sharma, who should be included in team India's playing XI for Ind vs NZ WTC Final. Photo Courtesy: AFP

Team India's senior spinner Harbhajan Singh wants Mohammed Siraj to be included in team India's playing XI. The veteran has also given a good reason behind this.“If I was the captain, I would go with three pure fast bowlers. In that case, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami pick themselves. In this final, I would like to go with Mohammed Siraj ahead of Ishant Sharma,” Harbhajan told PTI on Thursday. Photo Courtesy: AFP

Harbhajan believes that a player's current form should always be looked at and accordingly Siraj's five-wicket haul in Brisbane was instrumental in India's historic Test series win against Australia Down Under. “You have to look at present scenario. Siraj’s form, pace and confidence makes him a better choice for this final match. The kind of form he is in last six months, he looks like a bowler who is hungry for his chances. Ishant has gone through some injuries of late but has been a great servant of Indian cricket no doubt,” the off-spinner said. Photo Courtesy: AFP

On Shubman Gill, Harbhajan said that he is confident that the talented Punjab batsman must have worked on his shortcomings. The senior spinner expressed hope that Shubman will do well for team India as a top-order batsman in India's tour of England. “A good first innings score of 375 to 400 will set up the match nicely for Indian pace attack. But for that Gill needs to bat well. Rohit has had enormous white ball success in England during World Cup and he is an experienced hand. You don’t want a situation where Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara are every time walking in at 15 for 2. You should also give a start which allows them to build and consolidate.” Photo Courtesy: AFP