Mohammed Siraj lost a bit of confidence but will come back strong: Mike Hesson

Mohammed Siraj had a bad outing once again as he could not help Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) from avoiding a defeat against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Qualifier 2 in Ahmedabad on Friday (May 27). RR batters targetted Siraj as he went for 31 runs in only two overs. As a result, RR chased down the target of 158 with ease in 18.1 overs only. However, after the match, RCB’s Mike Hesson backed him for a stronger comeback in the next season.

Siraj completed this year’s IPL with only nine wickets in 15 matches at an economy of 10.08. His bowling average was 57.11 and as a result, he became the first bowler in the history of the IPL to concede 30 or more sixes in a season. Siraj was dropped in the last league match but again, he was back in the playing XI for the playoff matches.

Mohammed Siraj is a fine bowler, he didn’t have his best tournament: Mike Hesson

However, Siraj failed to repay RCB management’s faith as he only picked up one wicket by conceding 72 runs in six overs over these two playoff matches. Speaking to the media after the match, Mike said: “Mohammed Siraj is a fine bowler, he didn’t have his best tournament but we know he will come back strong,” He also added: “Just didn’t get us those new-ball wickets, didn’t get the ball swinging and probably lost a bit of confidence. But as I said, he will come back stronger.”

Speaking about others’ performances, Mike Hesson looked “pretty pleased” with the performances of Glenn Maxwell and Virat Kohli. He said: “Glenn Maxwell had a good all-round season with both bat and ball. Very good strike rate and averaged almost 30. Went for seven an over with the ball. Sure, you almost want more, but I think he had a pretty good season with both bat and ball.”

“Obviously, we started with Virat at No. 3 but we moved him to the top. And he certainly got better and better as the season went on. Looked in good touch in the last 4-5 innings. All in all, pretty pleased with the way the team gelled this season,” Hesson concluded.  Rajasthan Royals are scheduled to take on Gujarat Titans in this year’s IPL Final in Ahmedabad on Sunday (May 29).