Pacer Mohammed Siraj on Saturday said bowling consistently in the right areas without worrying about wickets was the key to his success as he produced another impressive spell in India’s series-clinching five-wicket win in the second ODI against Zimbabwe.
Siraj, who had claimed one for 36 in the first ODI, kept the ball in the off-stump channel, troubling the Zimbabwe batters with the late swing.
The 28-year-old from Hyderabad was rewarded for his consistency as opener Takudzwanashe Kaitano got an edge in the ninth over for Sanju Samson to pull off a one-handed stunner.In West Indies and England also I bowled well, my rhythm was good in the first match as well, so my plan was to hit an area consistently without worrying whether I will get wickets or not,” Siraj, who took one wicket for 16 runs in eight overs, said in the post-match press conference.
Chasing 162 to win, India were 97 for 4 at the end of the 14th over before Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 43 off 39 balls took the visitors home with 24.2 overs left.
When asked if there are any worrying signs in the team, Siraj said, “Because the overall was 160 or something. We were 100 for four but there was no panic in the dressing room because of Ishan Kishan’s wicket. After we needed just 40 runs, the current head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) VVS Laxman took over as India’s head coach for the Zimbabwe tour and Rahul Dravid was given a break ahead of the Asia Cup.
When asked about Laxman’s role, Siraj said, “Laxman sir was a part of Sunrisers Hyderabad (in the IPL) when I was selected for the first time. He understands my skills and gives me a lot of confidence and it feels good when a coach is around.”
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