Former Indian spin legend Harbhajan Singh suggested that Siraj, a key player for both Team India and his IPL franchise, needs rest due to his current performance indicating physical and mental fatigue.
Mohammed Siraj, India’s prominent pacer, has faced scrutiny in IPL 2024, managing just 4 wickets in 6 matches and remaining wicketless thrice, conceding 191 runs. This raises concerns not only about his T20 World Cup 2024 selection but also exacerbates Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s bowling challenges.
Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, speaking to Star Sports, advocated rest for Siraj, citing his extensive cricketing commitments, including four Tests against England and continuous IPL participation, which seem to have fatigued him both mentally and physically. Despite Siraj’s prior success for Team India and RCB, Harbhajan emphasized the necessity for rejuvenation due to his current lackluster performance.
“He has been a champion bowler for Team India, and even for RCB, he has done well. But I feel he’s not doing what he is required to do, he requires rest, not only mentally but physically as well because he has been playing a lot of cricket. He’s played four Tests against England, before that whatever series India was playing, he has already been a part of the team. And he bowls a lot of overs. So, for me, he looks a bit tired physically and mentally,” Harbhajan said.
“And with this kind of hammering, it’s difficult for any bowler to wake up the next day and feel alright. I also went through these situations where I got hammered by different batters, you have to give yourself a bit of time to relax, think about your game and work hard in the nets, work on your game and come back stronger like we have seen Siraj and I’m sure he’ll come back stronger,” he added.
In the tournament, Royal Challengers Bengaluru sit at 9th place in the points table, securing only one win in six matches. After an initial victory against PBKS, they endured four consecutive losses, including a recent defeat to Mumbai Indians despite setting a massive 196-run target.
Last Updated on April 12, 2024
Senior Sports Copywriter
