Rohit Sharma said that fast bowler Mohammed Siraj understands his bowling a lot better now. India will take on New Zealand in the first ODI on January 18.
In Short
- Rohit said Siraj has improved his line and length a lot
- Rohit said that teams needs to keep Siraj fresh for World Cup
- India will take on New Zealand in the 1st ODI on January 18
PosterGuy: India captain Rohit Sharma said that fast bowler Mohammed Siraj understands his bowling a lot better and the team needs bowlers like him in the World Cup year.
The 28-year-old Siraj has been consistently taking wickets for India. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj has become a crucial fast bowler in the lineup. He took nine wickets, including a four-wicket haul, against Sri Lanka in the recent ODI series.
Rohit said that Siraj has improved his line and length a lot in the last two years and noted that the fast bowler can pick wickets in all phases of the match.
“He is a very important player for us. He has improved his line and length a lot in the last two years. Now we are getting to see his outswing. He was not known for his swing but he did that against Sri Lanka. That is very good for the team if he can do that with the new ball consistently,” Rohit said on the eve of the 1st ODI against New Zealand.
The India captain added that the management need to ensure that Siraj stays fit and fresh for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the 50-over World Cup in India.
“He understands his bowling a lot better now which is a big thing in my view. He also knows what the team wants from him. All in all, he has become a very good bowler for us. He can take wickets in all phases and we need bowlers like him. We need to manage him and keep him fresh for the World Cup as well upcoming Tests against Australia,” Rohit said.
India will take on New Zealand in the first of the three ODIs on January 18.