“I think he is going through a phase where he wants to do but it’s not happening” – Mohammed Shami on Mohammed Siraj’s recent below-par performances

India’s veteran pacer Mohammed Shami reckons Mohammed Siraj is going through a phase where he is trying his level best but he is not able to reap rewards. Siraj hasn’t been in the best of forms in the recent past and his dip in form is a cause of concern for the team, especially in the absence of Shami.

Siraj hasn’t been able to deliver the goods in home Test matches, returning with 19 wickets in 13 games at an average of 38.95 and a strike rate of 62.63.

“It’s not that Siraj is new, he is quite experienced. At times, what we are focusing on doesn’t happen. I think he is going through a phase where he wants to do but it’s not happening. He wants to pick up wickets but people are not getting out, or if he is getting the edge, catches are not being taken,” Mohammed Shami said on Sports Tak.

Shami urged Siraj to keep bowling in the right areas and he feels his teammate will savor success sooner than later.

“That phase comes sometimes. I feel there is no need to get frustrated. Concentrate on the basics, pick a spot and keep bowling there, no one will be able to stop you once you start getting success,” Shami said.

On the other hand, Shami showered praise on skipper Rohit Sharma for giving all the freedom to his players.

“I hadn’t played much under Rohit earlier. I was seen playing under him in the World Cup and got to play a few other matches. You need freedom from the captain, which he gives,” he replied.

Shami said Rohit knows how to get the best out of his players.

“As a captain, you should know which player can give his best in a particular situation. He knows that very well. Since we have been playing together for such a long time, everyone’s ability is known. He knows very well when to extract the best from a player,” Shami observed.

The second Test match between India and New Zealand will be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune from Thursday onwards.