 "'With Jassi Bhai...': Mohammed Siraj finally explains why he performs better without Jasprit Bumrah")
Mohammed Siraj has finally spoken about why his performances often get better when Jasprit Bumrah is not playing. The Indian fast bowler was the star of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, finishing as the highest wicket-taker of the series. India won two Test matches in the absence of Bumrah, and Siraj played a huge role in both wins.
For a long time, fans and experts have noticed that Siraj always steps up and takes charge whenever Bumrah is not playing. The numbers also tell the story as Siraj averages 31.05 with the ball in 41 Tests and it goes up to 35 with the star bowler in the side. Without Bumrah, it drops to 25. He also takes wickets faster when Bumrah is absent, on every 44 balls compared to every 57 balls when Bumrah is in the team.
Siraj on why he bowls better without Bumrah
Siraj himself admitted that he feels extra responsibility when Bumrah is missing. He also said he wanted to silence critics who doubted India’s chances in England without Bumrah.
Speaking to RevSportz, the 31-year-old said, “When I get an opportunity to shoulder responsibility, even if you look at a mundane series, my performance always grows. Responsibility gives me a different kind of joy, and boosts my confidence.”
“I told you at Edgbaston that people are talking about me, and it’s time to make all that talk stop. I usually am very aware of what I’m doing, and do not pay heed to what people are saying because people do not know my struggle. Despite that, I thought it’s time to stop such talk because it was getting too much. With Jassi Bhai (Jasprit Bumrah) not being there due to his back injury and his workload being managed, I tried my bit to keep the positivity in the bowling unit. Whenever I was talking to my teammates, Akash Deep and all, I was trying to spread the belief that we can do it. We can repeat what we have done already,” Siraj added.
“I told you at Edgbaston that people are talking about me, and it’s time to make that stop. People do not know my struggles, but the criticism was getting too much. With Jassi Bhai not there because of injury and workload, I tried to keep the positivity alive in the bowling group. I told Akash Deep and others that we can do it again,” Siraj said.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsSiraj took six wickets in the first innings at Edgbaston, and he picked up nine wickets at The Oval, including five in the second innings. Thanks to his solid performance in the final Test, India were able to secure a win and level the series 2-2.
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