Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has highly praised fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, acknowledging his relentless effort and immense workload as a true workhorse for the Indian team, especially after his valiant performance in the recent Lord’s Test loss.
A True Workhorse for India
Aakash Chopra, now a respected commentator, has passionately advocated for greater appreciation for Mohammed Siraj. He highlighted the fast bowler’s exceptional dedication and consistent efforts, dubbing him an invaluable workhorse for the Indian cricket team over the past few years.
Siraj’s tireless contributions were particularly evident during India’s recent third Test loss at Lord’s, where his valiant efforts with both bat and ball, though ultimately in vain, showcased his commitment to the team.
Leading the Pace Attack in Workload
Chopra underlined Siraj’s remarkable workload, stating that his bowling volume over the last two years is among the highest globally for fast bowlers. Since January 1, 2023, Siraj has bowled an astonishing 792.5 overs.
This places him third worldwide among pace bowlers, trailing only Pat Cummins (871.3 overs) and Mitchell Starc (856.2 overs). Within the Indian setup, no other fast bowler has bowled more overs than him in this period, making his contribution truly immense.
Overall for India, Siraj is second only to Ravindra Jadeja, who has bowled close to 1000 overs (990). This statistic alone speaks volumes about Siraj’s fitness, endurance, and willingness to bowl long spells when called upon.
An Invaluable Asset to the Team
Chopra emphasized that the Indian team is incredibly fortunate to have a player like Siraj in their ranks. He echoed the sentiments of Ryan ten Doeschate, who also noted that Siraj’s contributions are often not talked about enough.
Siraj’s commitment is unwavering; he “doesn’t hold back anything” and “gives every he has.” This trait is a blessing for any captain, especially in Test cricket, where fast bowlers sometimes show reluctance to bowl more overs. Siraj, however, is known for his eagerness to keep going.
Beyond the Glare of Superstars
Chopra also touched upon the challenge faced by skillful players who might be overshadowed by all-time greats. He suggested that being alongside a bowler of Jasprit Bumrah’s caliber, for instance, could sometimes lead to a player’s own skills being less noticed, even if they are exceptional.
This dynamic is similar to how players might have felt when playing alongside legends like Sachin Tendulkar or Virat Kohli. Despite the potential for being overshadowed, Siraj’s consistent performance and sheer dedication ensure his crucial role in the team remains undeniable.
- Mohammed Siraj is among the top three fast bowlers globally in terms of workload since January 2023.
- He has bowled 792.5 overs in that period, showcasing immense fitness and dedication.
- Aakash Chopra and Ryan ten Doeschate laud Siraj’s “doesn’t hold back” attitude and consider him a valuable asset.
- Siraj’s consistent efforts are vital for India, even when he might be overshadowed by other superstar performers.
Siraj’s persistent efforts and ability to shoulder a heavy bowling load make him an indispensable part of India’s fast-bowling attack, a true testament to his work ethic and commitment.
