Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif believes Mohammed Siraj will have to make way for Jasprit Bumrah despite bowling well in the opening clash of the T20 World Cup against the USA. Bumrah missed the opening game as he was down with fever but returned to training ahead of the match against Namibia.
On the other hand, Siraj returned with impressive figures of 3-29 in his quota of four overs against the USA. Siraj was making a comeback after 19 months but he was able to hit the ground running.
Meanwhile, Bumrah is India’s premier fast bowler and he would look to be at his best after a mundane series against New Zealand.
“There is no rocket science. Siraj is bowling well but he will have to go out. He was not even part of the squad but was called later on. Despite bowling well, he will have to go out. Bumrah is a proven match-winner and his playing a game, getting into flow and rhythm before the Pakistan game is crucial. He will get some practice. Before the Pakistan game, you want him to get some match time,” Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
On the other hand, Sanju Samson could only manage 46 runs against New Zealand in five games and Kaif reckons it would be crucial for Samson to get back against the runs in the absence of Abhishek Sharma.
“I feel Sanju playing and scoring runs is very important, not for India but for his form. If he scores and is in form, if Abhishek comes back, even if Sanju goes out, he will be out after scoring at least. Let’s say someone gets injured in the Super 8 and he gets to play again, his form will come in handy. It is a very important game for his confidence if he does get to play,” he said.
Abhishek Sharma is expected to be ruled out of the Namibia clash due to stomach illness and Kaif reckons it is not good for the opener’s confidence.
“Abhishek not being there is not good for his own confidence and form. This is the World Cup, it is not a bilateral. There is always pressure, and he is playing for the first time. This is very different. If he plays right away against Pakistan, the conditions there are slow in Colombo and spinners will have a role. If he plays that game right away, this is not good for his rhythm. Stomach infection brings in a lot of weakness. You will be travelling, it is humid in Colombo. The timing is not right for his flow.”
India will next take on Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, on Thursday.
