Irfan Pathan questions Mohammed Siraj’s performance, says he is yet to become India’s lead bowler

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan criticized Mohammed Siraj’s performance in the opening Test match against England. Siraj returned with figures of 2-122 in the first innings of the series opener at Leeds, Headingley whereas he went wicketless in the second dig.

Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the Indian bowlers in the first innings as he returned with impressive figures of 5-83 in the first innings. But India’s pack leader didn’t find support from the other end. 

Pathan noted that India would need to back inexperienced fast bowlers, which could be an issue.

Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube Channel, “Now the situation for Gautam Gambhir is that you’ve to go ahead with youngsters. It’s a challenge because the previous regime went forward with a different mindset. Whether you want it or not, you don’t have experienced bowlers. Prasidh Krishna – 4 Tests, Akash Deep – 7 Tests, Arshdeep is yet to make his debut.”

“Mohammed Siraj is yet to become your lead bowler. If he’ll bowl, then he’ll become your lead bowler for that he has to dive deep into the ocean. He has to face the waves then only we’ll know how much potential he has. Unless he does it, you won’t know,” he added.

Pathan said Mohammad Shami won’t find it easy to hit the ground running after recovering from injury, just like England’s all-rounder Chris Woakes.

Pathan added, “Are we ready to play without Bumrah and Shami? Look, Shami will return after injury because it’s not easy. Chris Woakes came back after injury in the first Test. He needs time to get back into the rhythm. He took just one wicket. Everyone takes time, Shami will also take time.”

With Jasprit Bumrah all set to be rested for the second Test to manage his workload, Pathan backed head coach Gautam Gambhir to turn the tables, just like he did as a leader at KKR in the IPL.

Pathan added, “The situation is that you have to move forward and prepare without Bumrah. Gautam Gambhir is a coach who can handle criticism. When KKR had no titles, he became captain. He chose players and gave them opportunities. Sunil Narine, Andre Russell. Other players also came along. Bisla performed exceedingly well in the final. They backed Yusuf Pathan regularly, and they became champions under Gambhir’s regime.”

Pathan noted that newly appointed captain Shubman Gill will need to face criticism if the team fails to deliver.

“One thing was there he used to face criticism as a leader, the same thing applies here. If Shubman Gill makes a mistake, he’ll be able to handle it in the press or wherever possible. He brings stability. You make mistakes as a youngster, and I’ll see what to do off the field. Fast bowlers will benefit, but for that, they need to play regularly,” he added.

The second Test match between India and England will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham from July 2nd onwards.