Former Indian batter Subramaniam Badrinath has praised ace pacer Mohammed Siraj for his incredible commitment at all times ahead of the home Test series against South Africa.
Recalling his experience of captaining Siraj, Badrinath revealed that he often had to stop the bowler from over-bowling, even on a sunny day when there was no assistance from the pitch.
The 31-year-old Siraj is coming off a memorable Test tour of England, where India drew the series 2-2. Siraj was the leading wicket-taker with 23 scalps, including nine wickets in India’s series-leveling victory at The Oval.
Talking about the veteran seamer’s inimitable commitment, Badrinath said on Star Sports (22:12):
“I was his first captain, and he was always like this. He was born with that ability. Many bowlers, when I was the captain, would hide in the afternoon session, fearing I’d give them the ball. But Siraj is the exact opposite. He’ll keep asking me if he can bowl till I say, ‘It’s okay, enough, you can bowl later.’ But any ball under any conditions, hot or cold, he’ll give his 100%.”
Siraj has continued his excellent form from the England tour, picking up 10 wickets in India’s most recent 2-0 Test series win against the West Indies.
Badrinath believes Mohammed Siraj is an underrated bowler who has been India’s workhorse across all conditions and situations. The right-arm pacer has taken at least 40 wickets across formats in each of the last four international seasons, including bowling more than 281 overs in the ongoing season.
“He’s an underrated workhorse. Siraj has bowled the highest number of overs in the last two years in Indian cricket. There’s a 100-over difference between him and Bumrah. That’s how much he has bowled. Having a bowler like him is a boon for the captain.”
Siraj is expected to share the new ball with Jasprit Bumrah when the first India-South Africa Test begins in Kolkata on Friday, November 14.
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