“Mohammed Siraj Was On Par With Virat Kohli, There Should Have Been A Joint Man Of The Series,” Says Gautam Gambhir

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Former India National Cricket Team opening batsman Gautam Gambhir has made a bold remark after the conclusion of the three-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka, saying that the right-arm pacer Mohammed Siraj should have jointly won the Player of the Series award along with batting maestro Virat Kohli.

Kohli delivered a sensational performance in the series against Sri Lanka and helped his side register a 3-0 whitewash over the visitors. The 34-year-old slammed 283 runs at an exceptional average of 141.50 and an excellent strike rate of 137.37, including two centuries, and finished as the top run-getter.

Virat Kohli (PC-AP) — Virat Kohli
(PC-AP)

Siraj, on the other hand, bagged 9 wickets at an average of 10.22, an economy of 4.05 and a strike rate of 15.1 as well as he finished as the leading wicket-taker.

During a discussion on Star Sports, Gambhir was asked about his views on the performance of the 28-year-old pace bowler Siraj.

He responded: “For me, I think he was on par with Virat Kohli. There should have been a joint Man of the Series because he was exceptional and these were beautiful batting wickets. I know we are always tempted towards batters getting big hundreds but I think Mohammed Siraj was absolutely exceptional too in this entire series.

“I think the hallmark is, he will get many more five-fors, it’s not about that he didn’t get it today but how good was he, especially with the new ball. In every game, he was able to set the tone.”

He is getting better after every series – Gautam Gambhir on Siraj

The 41-year-old further showered high praise on Siraj, labelling him as the “player for the future”. He also said that Siraj getting better with each passing series is a huge positive for Team India.

He elaborated: “I think he is the player for the future. He is someone who India has got to look forward to for a very, very long time, someone who can bowl with the new ball and at the death as well. He is getting better after every series. So a massive, massive positive.

“Look what he did today. 10-over spell, he just took a break for one over. How many fast bowlers can do that? The 10th over he was bowling to Rajitha, he was bowling with as much pace as he started his spell with.”

Also Read: IND vs SL: “He Is A Rare Talent” – Rohit Sharma Hails Mohammed Siraj After India’s Monstrous 317-Run In 3rd ODI vs Sri Lanka