Mohammed Siraj hasn’t looked back since Australia series: Dilip Vengsarkar

Former Indian captain Dilip Vengsarkar has heaped praise on Mohammed Siraj, who has impressed with his skills since making his debut in the MCG Test against Australia.

Vengsarkar stated that Siraj hasn’t looked back since the Australia series and he has grown in confidence.

Siraj had scalped 13 wickets in three Test matches against Australia and had finished as India’s leading wicket-taker in the four-match series. The fast bowler from Hyderabad has taken giant strides at the top level and he looks a different bowler altogether.

Siraj bowls with a lot of passion and he always looks to get under the skin of the opposition batsmen. The 27-year old is hitting the right areas with the ball and he is reaping rewards for his accuracy.

Siraj was once again at his best as he scalped a total of eight wickets in the Lord’s Test, as India registered their third win at the iconic venue. The right-arm fast bowler returned with 4-94 in the first innings whereas he bagged 4-32 in the second dig.

Vengsarkar said while talking to Khaleej Times, “Absolutely, Siraj did not have shoes until a few years ago, we have seen few such players emerging in India after the IPL,” Dilip Vengsarkar said. “If you see Siraj’s performance in Australia, he excelled on the tour after India lost the first Test and were bowled out for 36. Even Kohli had returned home.”

Vengsarkar added: “Then Siraj was the guy who made the difference with his positive attitude and aggression. He pulled the entire team up with his fiery spells. And they won against Australia in Australia. He played a huge part in that and since then he hasn’t looked back.”

Vengsarkar rated the current bowling unit highly as they have been delivering the goods in all the conditions. The Lord’s Test was the third instance when Indian fast bowlers bagged all the 20 wickets.

“It would be very high on my list, to be honest. I can’t remember when I saw four fast bowlers bowling for India. We used to play three pace bowlers and a spinner. That used to be the bowling line up.”