Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra backed pacer Mohammed Siraj ahead of Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna to make the cut in India’s squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup. Notably, Siraj, Shardul, and Prasidh are part of the 17-member squad that will travel to the forthcoming Asia Cup in Sri Lanka which is slated to kickstart on August 30.
With the ODI World Cup on the horizon, cricketer-turned-broadcaster opined that the think tank will need to back the services of Siraj in the setup citing his solid numbers in the Asian conditions.
“Mohammed Siraj is brilliant. He has had a short career. 43 wickets in 24 matches at an average of 20.7 and an economy rate of 4.78. They are better than both Bumrah’s and Shami’s numbers. In Asia, his average becomes 16.57 and economy rate is 4.51,” Chopra told on his YouTube channel.
“His numbers in Asia are better than his numbers outside Asia. So, people who were talking about whether Shardul Thakur or Prasidh Krishna can be played instead of Siraj, you cannot play anyone. You will have to play Siraj only. You should play him,” he added.
Muhammad Siraj is a genius. His career has just been brief. 24 matches, 43 wickets, an average of 20.7, and a 4.78 economy rate. They surpass the numbers of both Bumrah and Shami.
Aakash Chopra stated on his YouTube channel that in Asia, his average rises to 16.57 and his economy’s growth rate is 4.51.
“His statistics in Asia are superior than those outside of Asia. Therefore, to those who were debating whether Shardul Thakur or Prasidh Krishna might be substituted for Siraj, the answer is negative. Only Siraj will be required of you. You ought to perform him,” he added.
The roster for the World Cup will be chosen after the Asia Cup, but it is unclear if the pace trio will make the cut or if there will be further alterations. Additionally, the Asia Cup will act as a practice match for the high-profile ICC tournament, and the aforementioned pacers will aim to perform well in order to secure their place in the World Cup roster.
A five-day skill-enhancement camp is presently underway in Alur, Karnataka, for the members of the national team who are competing in the Asia Cup. On September 2,
The thought tank will work to secure a fundamental setting for the premier ICC match, which will begin on October 5 and be played in India. The management will have another opportunity to assemble a strong team, though, when the ODI series against Australia is played in 2023, immediately following the end of the Asia Cup.
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