Ashish Nehra Hails Meteoric Rise Of Mohammed Siraj In Test Cricket

Former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra has been impressed with the way fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has progressed in his short career so far. In no time, Siraj has become virtually undroppable in the longest format of the game.

Ever since making his debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Siraj has taken 33 wickets in 11 games and has been a force to reckon with. Ashish Nehra heaped praise on the way he has maintained his fitness and has shown energy on the field.

Speaking to Cricbuzz on Day 2 of the first Test between India and South Africa, here is what he had to say:

“He was with me at RCB when I was the coach. He also was in the team when I was at SunRisers Hyderabad. I always knew that he had the skills. Talking about the skillset, it also depends on the player… how he hones his skills and fitness levels.”

Nehra also threw light on how Siraj has almost never been required to go to the National Cricket Academy to work on his fitness as he is always fully fit. He added:

“He had the pace, swing, and an athletic body too. We see many players doing the rounds of the NCA and visiting the physios after struggling with fitness. But Siraj wasn’t that sort of a player. He stepped into the IPL after playing Ranji and has never looked back.”

Mohammed Siraj would be upset when his name was not in the XI: Ashish Nehra

Ashish Nehra has played with Siraj when he was in Sunrisers Hyderabad and also when the former was the coach at the Royal Challengers Bangalore. His ability and willingness to learn and get better with each game is what Ashish Nehra was impressed by.

“Siraj has made the most of it. He’s mentally strong as well and has that hunger to play. He used to get upset when his name was not there in the XI. When he was at RCB, he would eagerly wait to perform and get better with every match. That speaks volumes about his character,” Nehra concluded.

India are in a dominant position at the end of day’s play on Day 1 at 272-3. But with rain washing out the entire Day 2, it remains to be seen whether this game will go towards a result.

Also Read: IND vs SA: The Conditions Could Be Good From South Africa’s Point Of View, They’ll Get That Moisture Again – Ashish Nehra On The Impact Of Rain On 1st Test