'He is doing everything to grab Bumrah's spot' - Indian fans laud Mohammed Siraj after impressive show against South Africa
Mohammed Siraj blew away the visitors in a searing spell of fast bowling.
The Indian team are still to announce a replacement for the injured Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with Mohammed Siraj presenting a strong case for his inclusion after his recent performances. He should be on the plane to Australia according to the Indian fans on Social media, following his devasting opening spell against South Africa in the third ODI in Delhi.
Mohammed Siraj, who is arguably India's best bowler in the 50-over format since the turn of the year, has impressed once again for the Men in Blue in the ongoing series against the Proteas. The 28-year-old was impressive with his death bowling in the second ODI in Ranchi and followed up with a masterclass with the new ball in the series finale.
Siraj pegged back the visitors after dismissing Janneman Malan and Reeza Hendricks in a fiery spell of fast bowling. He got the better of both the batters after setting them up with some smart bowling. His pace and extra bounce can be a lethal weapon on the Australian tracks.
India will have to decide between Siraj and Shami for the T20 World Cup squad
Siraj's exploits with the new ball ensured that India were in the ascendency in the series finale, with the scoreboard reading 26/3 after the conclusion of the first powerplay. While the Indian pacer rattled the Proteas batting order, it was spinning all-rounder Washington Sunday who drew first blood for the Indians, dismissing Quinton de Kock cheaply.
The RCB pacer faces stiff competition from veteran speedster Mohammed Shami, who is currently recovering from a Covid-19 infection. Shami seems the obvious choice to replace Bumrah for the impending T20 World Cup, but Siraj's recent form and triumph on Australian soil might sway the selectors in his direction.
The Indian T20I contingent are already in Australia and engaging in warm-up games before taking on arch-rivals Pakistan in the opening fixture at the iconic MCG.
Twitter was adamant about Siraj's selection in the T20I team after his fiery opening spell:
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