He has been outstanding: Ravichandran Ashwin lauds Mohammed Siraj for becoming No. 1 ODI bowler

India’s veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has heaped praise on Mohammed Siraj for his consistent performances. Siraj has been at his absolute best in recent past and climbed to the numero uno position in the ICC rankings charts, with 729 rating points.

The fast bowler from Hyderabad scalped nine wickets in the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka at an average of 10.22. Siraj also continued his good show against New Zealand as he snared five wickets in two ODI matches at an average of 11.20, including a four-wicket haul.

The right-arm fast bowler has got the ball to swing both ways in the PowerPlay overs and he has recently added outswing to his repertoire, which is helping him reap rewards at the top level.

Siraj has taken a leap in his career as he has been performing consistently for the team. The 28-year-old has picked 38 wickets in 21 ODI matches at an impressive average of 20.76 and an economy rate of 4.62.

Ashwin said on his YouTube channel: “World’s No. 1 ODI bowler. What does he not have? If you want outswinger, he has it. If you want inswinger, he has it. If you want a bouncer, he has it. If you want a slower ball, he has it. If you want him to become No. 1 bowler, he can become that too.

“He has been outstanding. His attitude and the way he showed composure during the Michael Bracewell-Mitchell Santner onslaught turned the game in India’s favor.”

Furthermore, Ashwin lauded Mohammed Siraj’s attitude, stating he will smile even if he is taken for runs by the opposition.

“He has a big heart, the entire repertoire and charming bubble-gum chewing face. He works hard and at the same time looks relaxed as well. He will smile even if he gets smashed.”

“People have trolled him for death bowling in the IPL. That’s totally wrong because anyone can get smashed in IPL with the dew and small grounds.”

Siraj is going to play a crucial role in the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia, starting February 9.