New Delhi: Mohammed Siraj, the young and fiery pacer from Hyderabad is all set to replace Ishant Sharma in India's playing XI according to a news report.
There was a massive debate before the start of the World Test Championship (WTC Final) about who would be India's third fast-bowling option alongside Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Virat Kohli had picked up Ishant Sharma and went for experience over current form. Seems like, the tables have turned after the WTC loss and Siraj is all set to become a permanent member in India's Test XI.
“Even if the team management intends to stick with R Ashwin and Ravi Jadeja in the eleven, Siraj will probably replace Ishant (Sharma). But he’s in, and that’s certain,” said a source as quoted by News18.
India managed to pick just one wicket in the World Test Championship for 48 overs, and that too by the off-spinner Ravi Ashwin. Indian pacers did not give away a lot of runs but did not manage to pick a single wicket. Ishant Sharma finally picked Conway's wicket in the 49th over but that did not do much good.
Siraj's performance in Australia in the absence of some major fast-bowlers was worth applauding. This performance of his down under earner Siraj a spot in the final 15 of the WTC Final but he wasn't able to make it to the final playing XI.
"Generally, he(Ishant Sharma) is very tight and doesn't give runs away, like he did today. But I feel, Siraj would have swung the ball both ways, which would have helped the Indian bowling," Simon Doull had said after India's WTC loss.