Last Update on: August 25th, 2023 at 11:16 am
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Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra said that fast bowler Mohammed Siraj deserves to be part of the playing XI in the upcoming Asia Cup. Aakash Chopra highlighted that Mohammed Siraj is ahead of Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna in the pecking order of the bowling lineup.
The selectors recently named India’s 17-member squad for the Asia Cup, which is set to begin on August 30. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Siraj, Shardul, and Prasidh were named as fast bowlers. Bumrah and Shami are likely to be the first-choice pacers for India in the tournament.
Will Have To Play Mohammed Siraj Only – Aakash Chopra
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Akash Chopra pointed out that Mohammed Siraj had excellent figures with the ball over the past few months.
“Mohammed Siraj is brilliant. He has had a short career. 43 wickets in 24 matches at an average of 20.7 and an economy rate of 4.78. They are better than both Bumrah and Shami’s numbers. In Asia, his average becomes 16.57 and economy rate 4.51,” Chopra said.
“His numbers in Asia are better than his numbers outside Asia. So people who were talking about whether Shardul Thakur or Prasidh Krishna can be played instead of Siraj, you cannot play anyone. You will have to play Siraj only. You should play him,” he added.
The right-arm pacer claimed 35 wickets in Asian conditions with an impressive average of 16.57 and an economy rate of 4.51. The majority of his wickets came in India, where he picked up 29 scalps at an average of 15.44 and an economy rate of 4.33.
These Are Phenomenal Numbers – Aakash Chopra
The cricketer-turned-commentator said that Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami have been impressive for India in the 50-over format.
“Jasprit Bumrah has picked up 121 wickets in 72 matches at an average of 24.3 and an economy rate of 4.63. He is brilliant – nearly two wickets per game. In Asia also, his average is 23.9 and he has an economy rate of 4.65. These are phenomenal numbers.”
“Mohammad Shami’s overall numbers are good – 162 wickets in 90 games at an average of 25.9. Almost similar kind of strike rate and average as Bumrah’s. His economy is slightly on the higher side. He has an economy rate of 5.60.”
India’s Asia Cup 2023 squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya (vc), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Sanju Samson (traveling reserve).
Also read: Asia Cup 2023: Salman Butt Snubs Mohammed Siraj As He Names 2 Complete Bowlers In India