Mohammed Siraj left hanging right before Pune Test vs New Zealand

India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has spoken about Mohammed Siraj's recent form and his chances of playing the next Test match against New Zealand at Pune. Ten Doeschate feels that Siraj is just going through a "wicked drought" and will overcome it quickly.

Mohammed Siraj's form is one of the biggest concerns for India from the first Test in Bengaluru. Despite the pitch offering assistance to fast bowlers, Siraj wasn't at his best and picked up just 2 wickets in the match.

The 30-year-old fast bowler returned figures of 2-84 and 0-16 across the two innings of the Test match. He bowled well on the final day but was unable to add to his wickets column when India was defending a low total.

Also read: Sanju Samson challenges Gautam Gambhir for inclusion in India's team

Ryan ten Doeschate breaks silence on Mohammed Siraj's form

During the press conference ahead of the second Test between India and New Zealand at Pune, Ten Doeschate was asked about the form of Mohammed Siraj and his chances of playing in the next match.

The former Dutch international reckons that Siraj bowled well on Day 5 despite nothing to show in the wickets column. He claimed that Siraj is bowling well but is just going through a wicked drought.

"(Mohammed) Siraj bowled beautifully in the second innings. Our last morning was of really high quality. And maybe wasn't a nicking wicket, which is his big strength, particularly to left-handers when he moves the ball across," Ten Doeschate said to the reporters.

"It is probably not the answer you want to hear but there's nothing there to say. Like he's not bowling well or his rhythm is not good. And maybe he's just going through a little bit of a wicked drought," he reckoned.

Mohammed Siraj is not having a great season at home right now. The fast bowler has played seven home Tests in 2024 and picked up just 12 wickets at an average of 42.83. But India hasn't been affected too much because of Jasprit Bumrah's sensational bowling returns in Tests this year.

No concerns on Mohammed Siraj's form - Ryan ten Doeschate

India's assistant coach further denied any concerns about Mohammed Siraj's form. He feels that if the fast bowler can work on a few tactical things and bring stumps into play, he will be amongst the wickets from the next game.

"But no, no concerns again. I'm sure if he's given the chance here, we've got a few tactical things we wanna work on, coming around the wicket and challenging the stumps a little bit more. But his speeds are good, his accuracy is good. And I thought in the second innings he was excellent," Ten Doeschate added.

Will Akash Deep replace Mohammed Siraj?

Mohammed Siraj is a key bowler for India, especially in overseas Tests. His form will be key in India's five-Test series in Australia, beginning next month. With Mohammed Shami continuing his recovery from surgery, Siraj's form will be key for India.

With Akash Deep already on the sidelines, there are chances that Siraj might be dropped for the next Test at Pune. Akash has shown good form in the recent Tests he played against Bangladesh and could be a good addition to the Playing XI.