Indian cricket team’s star pacer, Mohammed Siraj, has been given a break and flown back home from the West Indies after being rested for the ODI series in the Caribbean. The decision to rest Siraj comes to manage his workload and ensure his fitness for upcoming crucial tournaments. Siraj’s role as a key bowler in the white-ball setup makes it imperative to preserve his form and energy for future assignments, including the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup.
Initially considered the front-runner to lead India’s pace attack in the absence of Mohammed Shami, who is also rested, the decision was taken to give Siraj some much-needed rest. Having played in both Tests against West Indies and impressively securing a five-wicket haul in the second Test in Trinidad, Siraj has had a busy schedule. The team management is keen on managing the bowler’s workload to keep him fresh and at his best for crucial upcoming tournaments.
With Siraj’s absence, a decision on his replacement in the ODI squad is yet to be made. For now, India’s pace attack for the ODI series comprises Jaydev Unadkat, Umran Malik, Shardul Thakur, and the uncapped Mukesh Kumar. The team will assess the performance and balance of the pace attack during the series, considering the upcoming challenges.
The Asia Cup, commencing on August 30, holds immense importance for India as they prepare for the ODI World Cup scheduled for October-November. Being a crucial part of the white-ball setup, Siraj’s fitness remains pivotal for India’s success in these tournaments. The team management wants him to be in prime form, ensuring he remains a potent weapon in the bowling arsenal.
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The decision to rest Siraj is further accentuated by the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who has been out of action since September last year. Although Bumrah is on the road to recovery and set to participate in practice matches at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, his return date remains uncertain. Consequently, preserving Siraj’s fitness becomes even more critical for the bowling department.
