Why the hell is Mohammed Siraj in this Indian team questions Parthiv Patel as he smashes Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid

Former wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel has criticized Team India for the way they handled Mohammed Siraj in the recently-concluded first Test against England at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

The visitors inflicted a 28-run defeat on Team India to take the lead in the five-match series. India were looking destined to win the game after thoroughly dominating the first innings. They bowled out England for 246 on day one before scoring 436 runs to take a huge lead of 190 runs.

However, England bounced back in style to stun Team India. Riding on Ollie Pope’s brilliant knock of 196 runs, the tourists piled up 420 runs to set India a competitive total of 231 runs. In reply, India were bowled out for 202 with Rohit Sharma (39) the only player to touch the 30-run mark. For England, debutant Tom Hartley starred with the ball, taking 7 for 62.

Parthiv Patel criticizes Team India:

Parthiv Patel has slammed Team India for their handling of Mohammed Siraj in the game. The former India wicketkeeper said that India should not include Mohammed Siraj in the playing XI if they are not planning to use the pacer much. The right-arm pacer bowled just 11 overs in the game and went wicketless. He bowled just 4 overs in the first innings before bowling 7 in the second.

“There is no doubt that 3 spinners are enough, but I have a different perspective. You have used Siraj for only 6 or 7 overs throughout the Test match. Axar Patel played ahead of Kuldeep Yadav due to his batting abilities, as mentioned by Rohit Sharma before the Test match. If you need variety, you could pick Kuldeep ahead of Axar,” Parthiv Patel told Jio Cinema.

“And if you are not using Siraj much, then why not play an extra pure batter. So, you will have three types of bowlers in Ashwin, Jadeja and Kuldeep, and the extra batter will add depth to the batting. And there’s no point playing someone if you are going to give him only 7 overs,” Parthiv Patel added.

Team India will be looking to bounce back in the upcoming second Test to draw level in the series. India have not lost a Test series at home since the 2012/13 season and will be keen to maintain the unbeaten streak. The second Test is scheduled to be played on February 2 at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Vizag.