“That’s why selectors turned to Siraj” - Ravi Ashwin reveals why selectors picks Mohammed Siraj as Harshit Rana’s replacement

Former Indian spinner and analyst Ravi Ashwin has lauded the veteran pacer Mohammed Siraj, who scalped three important wickets to turn the game towards the hosts against the USA on Saturday, February 7, in Mumbai.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin asserted that Siraj was in good form in the recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaigns, which was the reason why he has been selected ahead of other bowlers as Harshit Rana’s replacement. 

"What can I say about dream script? If you remember the 2023 World Cup, I was prepared to do some other work before that tournament. Some people had also called me for a commentary stint. My name was announced in the squad and fate plays a role. If any injury occurs during World Cup, they will always turn to experience because pressure situations are abundant. It is always better to have people who have been there and done it. That’s why selectors turned to Siraj and he has been in fine form. He bowled well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophy. He was in bowling rhythm. He got the conditions to bowl in. Siraj was a touch rusty initially but was able to come right back in the game after taking a wicket,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Furthermore, Ashwin also reckoned that Kuldeep Yadav doesn’t get a chance in the playing XI in the ongoing group stage, adding that Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh would be the bowling attack for the major part of the campaign.

"I don’t think Kuldeep Yadav will get a game, given the combination India is playing but I do want to see us play our best bowlers. If we play our four best bowlers, who bowl with mystery, it will give plenty of headaches to teams who are part of this World Cup. I do want them to play four bowlers but they’ll have to give up that batting depth and take more responsibility. If the wicket behaves this way, batters can take more time. Leave Abhishek Sharma be, the remaining batters can take more responsibility. If there is some help in the wicket, then imagine Kuldeep, Varun, Axar, Bumrah and Arshdeep – that is a serious bowling attack. But I don’t think Kuldeep will get a chance,” he concluded.

India will next take on Namibia in their next group stage clash on Thursday, February 12, in New Delhi.

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