Pacer Mohammed Siraj on Saturday mentioned bowling constantly in the proper areas with out worrying about wickets was the important thing to his success as he produced one other spectacular spell in India’s series-clinching five-wicket win within the second ODI in opposition to Zimbabwe right here.
Siraj, who had claimed one for 36 within the first ODI, saved the ball within the off-stump channel, troubling the Zimbabwe batters with the late swing. The 28-year-old from Hyderabad was rewarded for his consistency as opener Takudzwanashe Kaitano bought an edge within the ninth over for Sanju Samson to tug off a one-handed stunner. “In West Indies and England also I bowled well, my rhythm was good in the first match as well, so my plan was to hit an area consistently without worrying whether I will get wickets or not,” Siraj, who took one wicket for 16 runs in eight overs, mentioned within the post-match press convention.
With 40 wickets in 13 Tests, Siraj has impressed in red-ball cricket however he lacked consistency in white-ball recreation.
Asked if he had made any adjustments for white-ball cricket, Siraj mentioned: “I just kept belief on myself, because ups and downs are part of everyone’s life, so I just kept belief that I can do it no matter if it is a white ball or red ball. “So just wanted to keep hitting the right areas and bowl dot balls to build up pressure on the opposition. Starting with the new ball, I went for wickets a few times but as you know white ball doesn’t swing much, so I was planning to consistently hit one area and bowl maiden overs.” In 5 T20Is, Siraj has taken simply 5 wickets, whereas snapping 13 wickets in 10 ODIs.
Chasing 162 to win, India had been 97 for 4 on the finish of the 14th over earlier than Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 43 off 39 balls took the guests dwelling with 24.2 overs left.
Asked if there was any worrying indicators within the staff, Siraj mentioned: “Because the total was 160 or something. We were 100 for 4 but there was no panic in the dressing room because we needed just 40 runs after Ishan Kishan’s wicket.” Current head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) VVS Laxman took over the position of India’s head coach for the tour of Zimbabwe with Rahul Dravid given a break forward of the Asia Cup.
Asked about Laxman’s position, Siraj mentioned, “Laxman sir was part of Sunrisers Hyderabad (in IPL) when I was selected for the first time. He understands my skills and gives me a lot of confidence and it feels good when a coach is around.”
