In the third and final game of the series, Team India ran riot against a lethargic Sri Lanka, sweeping the visitors once more. While the visitors were thrashed by the batsmen, particularly Virat Kohli, in the first innings, Mohammed Siraj shook the Lankans with a spectacular fast-bowling performance in the second. Despite the pacer falling short of a historic wicket, Indian captain Rohit Sharma praised him as a “unique talent.”
In the series finale, Rohit Sharma took the initiative and partnered with Shubman Gill to form a strong position. Later, the latter scored a fluid century, his second in ODI cricket and his first on Indian soil. However, it was former Indian captain Virat Kohli who, after a record-breaking inning, led India to an intimidating total. The Indian captain expressed his satisfaction with the three-match series win and gave an update on Mohammed Siraj’s development. Mohammed Siraj was one of India’s standout players during the series.
“It was a great series for us. Lots of positives. We bowled well, got wickets when we needed them, and the batters throughout the series piling on the runs was good to watch. Good to see how he (Siraj) was bowling and he deserved all those slips. He is a rare talent, the way he has come up over the last few years is good to see. He has come from strength to strength and that’s really good for Indian cricket,” Rohit said after the final game of the three-match series.
Siraj finished his ten overs with outstanding bowling stats of 4/32, almost missing a five-for. Throughout the entire series, he was a pain for the Sri Lankan batters and India’s best bowler. The Indian pacer was praised by Rohit for his efforts and it was revealed that he is still working on his game, which is excellent for the team.
“We tried all sorts of things (to get his fifer) but it didn’t happen, unfortunately. But the four wickets are all his and the fifers will come. He has a few tricks up his sleeves which he is working on and it’s there to see. We’ll get to the drawing board quickly (for the next series) and see how the pitch is, then decide how the combinations will be. They (NZ) are coming off a series win in Pakistan, so it won’t be an easy task at all,” the Indian captain added.
