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India captain Shubman Gill has confirmed that Mohammed Siraj was not carrying an injury during the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, despite the fast bowler operating noticeably below his usual pace. Siraj's lack of his customary speed and penetration became particularly evident during the second Test in Colombo, leading to questions over his fitness.
Shubman Gill explained that Mohammed Siraj's reduced pace was more likely linked to a lack of match rhythm after a lengthy break from international cricket. The India captain also highlighted the difficult conditions and the workload on India's bowling attack as the visitors struggled to dismiss Sri Lanka on the final day of the drawn Test.
How did Mohammed Siraj perform in two-match Test series vs Sri Lanka?
Mohammed Siraj had a relatively modest return across the two Tests, finishing the series with four wickets. His pace was also down throughout the series, with the fast bowler frequently operating around the 125-130 kmph range rather than consistently reaching the speeds normally associated with him.
In the first Test, Mohammed Siraj made an impact in both innings. He finished Sri Lanka's first innings with 1/29 from nine overs, dismissing Nishan Madushka, with Siraj getting him caught at first slip by Devdutt Padikkal for a duck. Siraj produced a delivery that seamed away and took the edge, giving India an early breakthrough.
He then claimed another wicket in Sri Lanka's second innings, returning figures of 1/15 from nine overs. Again, the dismissal was of Nishan Madushka, who attempted to hook a short delivery but top-edged the ball towards deep fine leg.
Mohammed Siraj's workload increased in the second Test. He took 1/33 in 11 overs in Sri Lanka's first innings, dismissing Niroshan Dickwella for a duck. The batter attempted to glance a shortish delivery down the leg side but only managed a faint edge, with Dhruv Jurel completing the catch.
In the second innings, Siraj bowled an extended spell of 15 overs, conceding only 26 runs and taking one wicket. He dismissed Lahiru Udara for three, producing a well-directed bouncer despite bowling at only around 129.3 kmph. Udara mishandled the shot and was caught at deep fine leg by Saransh Jain. Overall, Siraj finished the series with four wickets, while his pace remained noticeably lower than usual.
“Firstly, no, Mohammed Siraj wasn't injured” - Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill addressed the concerns over Siraj's fitness after the second Test and made it clear that the seamer had not suffered an injury. He attributed the drop in pace partly to Siraj returning to Test cricket after a significant gap.
"Firstly, no, Siraj wasn't injured. We also felt that, even in the first match what happens is, after such a long time, when a person is playing his match last he played was Afghanistan, which was in June so he was playing almost after a couple of months so after 1.5-2 months, when a person plays it takes time for someone to come back into the rhythm," Shubman Gill told reporters in the post-match press conference.
"In the first Test, we also felt the pace was slow, but sometimes when you play, you come back into the rhythm. As far as the injury is concerned, it was nothing like that," he added.
“Fielding for three days is not an easy task” - Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill also defended India's bowling effort, particularly after the spinners were forced to bowl long spells on a demanding surface.
"The spinners bowled 50-60 overs on the trot for three days. Fielding for three days is not an easy task in these conditions with the heat. In terms of effort, I would say 10 out of 10 for the effort and the intent. A lot of learning, so many things won't always go as you plan, but as long as we still have a chance to qualify for the World Test Championship," Gill said.
Explaining India's defensive field placements, Shubman Gill said the slow nature of the pitch made it difficult for bowlers to create conventional dismissals.
"The ball was spinning but the wickets were not in play. As a batsman, if you know that your bowlers do not have 2 modes of dismissal in play, then it becomes easier to bat. Unless you are playing shot and not looking to make a run, then it is difficult to take a wicket," he said.
"They were sweeping, step out and you also have to have your close-in fielders for the catch. So there was a lot of in-and-out field and there was always a lefty and a righty batting. So it's especially on a wicket like this it's difficult to have a field on one side," Gill added.
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