Former India cricketer Dodda Ganesh raised concerns over Mohammed Siraj’s bowling pace during Day 5 (August 19) of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. Ganesh said that Siraj was bowling slower than usual and questioned whether the Indian pacer was carrying a niggle.
According to the host broadcaster, Siraj recorded an average speed of just 128.1 kph during the match. The broadcast noted that it was his lowest average speed in an overseas Test. Siraj returned figures of 1/29 in nine overs in the first innings and claimed an early wicket in the second innings with the new ball.
Dodda Ganesh Raises Concerns Over Mohammed Siraj's Fitness
Dodda Ganesh raised concerns about Mohammed Siraj’s fitness after noticing a significant drop in the Indian pacer’s bowling speed during Day 5 of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.
“Is Siraj carrying a niggle? This isn’t the pace he usually bowls #SLvIND,” Ganesh wrote on X on August 19.
Is Siraj carrying a niggle? This isn’t the pace he usually bowls #SLvIND
— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) August 19, 2026
Siraj had figures of 1/29 from nine overs in Sri Lanka’s first innings. He also provided India with an early breakthrough in the second innings while operating with the new ball. However, his reduced pace remained a talking point on the final day.
Mohammed Siraj Plays His Part as India Put Sri Lanka Under Pressure
India were bowled out for 193 in 48.5 overs on Day 4 while setting Sri Lanka a target of 372. Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for a duck early, but Devdutt Padikkal and KL Rahul steadied the innings with a 65-run partnership for the second wicket.
Padikkal scored 44 off 75 balls, while Rahul contributed 35. Rishabh Pant then accelerated the innings with a quick 66 off 69 deliveries to help India post a challenging target. Sri Lanka’s Asitha Fernando claimed four wickets, while Prabath Jayasuriya finished with three.
Sri Lanka’s chase began poorly as they slipped to 47/4 in the 22nd over. Manav Suthar claimed two wickets, while Siraj and Prasidh Krishna picked up one each. However, Dhananjaya de Silva and Sonal Dinusha then rebuilt the innings and carried Sri Lanka to 84/4 at stumps.
On Day 5, the Sri Lankan captain and Dinusha frustrated India’s bowling attack. Dhananjaya eventually fell for a fighting 59 to Ravindra Jadeja, who made up for the costly no-ball that had given the Sri Lankan captain another opportunity on Day 4.
Mohammed Siraj's Overseas Record Highlights His Importance to India
Mohammed Siraj made his Test debut against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in December 2020 and has since established himself as an important part of India’s overseas pace attack. He has taken 140 wickets from 46 Tests at an average of 29.74, including five five-wicket hauls.
His first major Test breakthrough came during India’s memorable tour of Australia in 2020-21. Siraj claimed his maiden five-wicket haul with 5/73 at the Gabba in January 2021 as India secured a historic series victory. He later took eight wickets in the Test against England at Lord’s.
Siraj recorded his career-best Test figures of 6/15 against South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town in 2024. He has taken more than 100 of his 140 Test wickets in away conditions. His workload and fitness are important for the Indian team, especially in Test cricket.
