Mohammed Siraj is ready to go through the wall for the captain: Aakash Chopra

India is scheduled to play three Test matches and as many ODIs against South Africa starting from December 26. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the Test squad for the series. However, ahead of the announcement, India’s former cricketer and now commentator Aakash Chopra said that India should give a go to Mohammed Siraj ahead of Ishant Sharma.

Siraj has been instrumental for the team in the longest format ever since his debut. He has fetched in some impressive performances for the teams recently and has exuded his sheer flair. Chopra heaped praises on the pacer and said that he brings a lot of energy to the attack. He also reckoned that considering the playing conditions of South Africa, Siraj will be more effective than Ishant.

If India play South Africa tomorrow, I’ll pick Bumrah, Shami, and Mohammed Siraj: Aakash Chopra

“Let’s talk about Siraj. He brings energy to the attack, he gives 120% on every delivery. He is ready to go through the wall for the captain. In South Africa, you don’t need bowlers who get the movement in the air. You need bowlers who hit the deck and who can get the movement off the surface. Siraj hits the deck hard. He is very intense, and according to me, Siraj is already the third-choice fast bowler. If India plays South Africa tomorrow, I’ll pick Bumrah, Shami, and Mohammed Siraj,” Chopra said on his official YouTube channel.

The former cricketer also added that Ishant Sharma is a good choice considering the plethora of experience he has under his sleeves. However, he said that there have been injury concerns around the speedster in the recent past that have cast doubts on his place in the side.

“Ishant Sharma is good, there’s no doubt. He has played 100+ Tests; to play so many Tests as a fast bowler is no mean feat. However, there have been injury concerns surrounding him in the recent past,” Chopra said.

The upcoming Test series will be a part of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle. Considering the team’s recent performances in overseas conditions, India will have their spirits high to dominate the proceedings against the Proteas.