IND vs SA: Aakash Chopra Thinks Mohammed Siraj Could Play Ahead Of Ishant Sharma As India's Third-Choice Bowler In Test Series

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra said he would prefer Hyderabad pace bowler Mohammed Siraj ahead of veteran bowler Ishant Sharma in the South Africa Test series.

Ishant recently missed the second Test against New Zealand in Mumbai after he sustained an injury.

Mohammed Siraj replaced Ishant Sharma in the second Test against New Zealand

Siraj replaced him in the second Test and picked three wickets including the likes of Tom Latham and Ross Taylor.

Mohammed Siraj gives 120% on every delivery: Aakash Chopra

Siraj was instrumental in India’s couple of victories in England, especially in the Lord’s where he picked eight wickets to help India seal the match. Chopra feels that Siraj could pair with Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah as the third-choice bowler in South Africa.

“Ishant Sharma is good, there’s no doubt. He has played 100+ Tests; to play so many Tests as a fast bowler is no mean feat. However, there have been injury concerns surrounding him in the recent past,” Chopra said on his official YouTube channel.

“Let’s talk about Siraj. He brings energy to the attack, he gives 120% on every delivery. He is ready to go through the wall for the captain. In South Africa, you don’t need bowlers who get the movement in the air. You need bowlers who hit the deck and who can get the movement off the surface.

“Siraj hits the deck hard. He is very intense, and according to me, Siraj is already the third-choice fast bowler. If India play South Africa tomorrow, I’ll pick Bumrah, Shami and Mohammed Siraj,” he added.

India will play against the Proteas in three Tests and as many ODI matches with the tour starting on December 26.

India beat New Zealand by 372 runs in the second Test at Wankhede to win the series 1-0 despite New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel claiming 10-for in the first innings.

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