Mohammed Siraj is now the World’s No 1 ODI bowler

Surpassing New Zealand’s Trent Boult and Josh Hazlewood, the Indian pacer went on to change into the world’s primary ODI bowler.

Mohammed Siraj celebrates Finn Allen’s wicket at Hyderabad. Picture courtesy: ICC

On Wednesday, Indian quick bowler Mohammed Siraj achieved the highest spot within the ICC ODI bowler rankings, showcasing his fast development in worldwide cricket. Not solely has he demonstrated distinctive kind over the previous yr, however his efficiency within the current ODI sequence at residence in opposition to Sri Lanka and New Zealand highlights the numerous enchancment the suitable arm pacer has made within the current occasions.

Siraj’s rise to the highest of the rankings is a results of his laborious work and dedication to the game. It’s also a mirrored image of the additional coaching he has put in, below the steering of India’s bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey. Mhambrey, challenged Siraj to concentrate on particular areas of his sport. The laborious work and further coaching he put in has clearly paid off, leading to his rise to the highest of the ICC ODI bowler’s rankings.

Siraj made his debut for the Indian nationwide staff in November 2016 in a T20 match in opposition to New Zealand. Since then, he has performed in a number of codecs for India, together with Check matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20s. Nevertheless, it was not till lately that he has really made a reputation for himself on the worldwide stage. With 38 wickets in 21 matches, the pacer has leapfrogged a few of the greatest names in cricket, together with Josh Hazlewood, Trent Boult, Mitchell Starc and Rashid Khan. Siraj’s rise to the highest spot is a testomony to his ability and laborious work, and he’ll undoubtedly be a drive to be reckoned with sooner or later.

Siraj’s journey to the highest is nothing in need of a fairytale

Mohammed Siraj’s journey to the highest of the ICC ODI rankings is nothing in need of a fairytale. He has overcome numerous obstacles and challenges to change into among the best quick bowlers on this planet.

Within the early phases of his profession, he confronted criticism and trolling from followers for his poor efficiency in IPL matches. He struggled to take wickets and had a excessive financial system fee, which led to doubts about his potential as a quick bowler. Nevertheless, the quick bowler didn’t let this discourage him and as a substitute, he labored laborious to enhance his sport.

After match profitable 5 for in Gabba in Australia and a outstanding 4 for within the lone take a look at match in opposition to England, Siraj discovered it laborious to discover a place within the One Day facet on account of his inconsistency. He stored on coaching with the bowling coach and likewise labored laborious on his health.

Mohammed Siraj after a superb 5 wicket haul in opposition to Australia. Picture courtesy: sky sports activities

His laborious work and willpower paid off when he made a comeback to the facet in 2022, the place he emerged as probably the most profitable Indian bowler within the ODI format. Siraj took 24 wickets in 15 matches at an financial system of 4.62. He continued his good kind in 2023, spearheading the Indian staff’s bowling assault within the ODI format. With 9 wickets in opposition to Sri Lanka in January, he was India’s main wicket taker.

Siraj’s current performances in opposition to each Sri Lanka and New Zealand at residence have helped him safe 729 scores and transfer to the highest of the ICC rankings narrowly beating Josh Hazlewood who has 727 scores. With the Border- Gavaskar sequence all set to start, there shall be an fascinating competitors amongst the 2 pacers to safe the #1 place.

Siraj’s distinctive performances with the white ball

With a strong common of 20.73 and 38 wickets in 21 video games, Mohammed Siraj has been delivering each time he has been requested to ball. In pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, he has change into probably the most constant bowler for staff India. Not solely did he set the stage on hearth together with his distinctive crimson ball bowling in Australia and England, his performances in One dayers have been outstanding too.

Mohammed Siraj within the match in opposition to New Zealand in Hyderabad. Picture courtesy: PTI

In his final 5 appearances, the quick bowler has taken 14 wickets, together with two four-wicket hauls. This exhibits that Siraj has the great potential to carry out below strain and take essential wickets at key moments within the sport. Siraj took 9 wickets in opposition to Sri Lanka and adopted it up with a superb 4 for in opposition to New Zealand in residence floor Hyderabad. Usually underrated, the lanky Hyderabadi pacer has silenced his critics together with his match-winning performances making him a primary keep within the present ODI setup.

Mohammed Siraj’s kind shall be a key issue when India performs the World Cup later this yr. Paired with Jasprit Bumrah’s tempo and accuracy, Siraj’s seam bowling with management shall be essential in taking early wickets and denting the opposition. Siraj is certainly one of India’s economical bowlers too. He can limit the run circulate from one finish making him a captain’s go to possibility in center overs.

Siraj is a whole package deal on the subject of white ball bowling and his abilities paired with laborious work, self-discipline and consistency have all helped him change into the World’s greatest ODI bowler.