Mohammed Siraj, who entered the three-match ODI series against South Africa with something to prove, put on an outstanding display of speed bowling, taking 5 wickets and giving up runs at a 4.52 economy rate. Siraj was rightfully crowned the Player Of The Series as India triumphed thumpingly by 7 wickets in the series finale on Tuesday in New Delhi. India went on to win the series 2-1.
Siraj received the proper recognition for his efforts in the series at the post-game presentation ceremony from former India cricketer Murali Kartik. Kartik tried to converse with Siraj in Hyderabadi dialect in an effort to personalise the conversation, and the India bowler gladly accepted his effort. “Miyan, kya bowling karte hain aap! Sahi bola mein Hyderabadi mein? (Some bowling you’ve been doing lately! Did I say it right in Hyderabadi?),” Kartik asked Siraj as the latter arrived in the presentation ceremony. “Bilkul Sir, (Absolutely Sir),” Siraj responded with a smile on his face.
Siraj said it was nice for him to get a chance to play against a top-tier team like South Africa in addition to discussing his performance in the game and the series as a whole. “Performing against a good team gives you a lot of confidence. I had to take the responsibility. I try to figure out the right lengths at the start of the innings. As a fast bowler you need that fire and passion inside you. Happy with my performance, and happy to get this Player of the Series award,” he said. Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement, Siraj, is still vying for a berth in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup in 2022. The pacer is apparently getting ready to fly to Australia, but it is still unclear whether he will be included in the core 15-man team.
