Former cricketer Aakash Chopra feels that India Mohammad Siraj should be picked over veteran fast bowler Ishant Sharma for the upcoming Test series against South Africa. Upcoming series is going to be part of ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle which will put additional pressure on both the teams to claim some crucial points on the table.
CSA has already announced a 21-man squad for the Test series, while Team India has not yet announced the names of its players. South Africa have picked Kagiso Rabada, Enrique Nortje and Lungi Ngidi for their fast-paced track. The Paes trio has rich experience of playing against Indian players in the Indian Premier League.
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Chopra said that Ishant’s fitness in recent times has brought his condition under a lot of scrutiny.
“Ishant Sharma is good, no doubt about it. He has played 100+ Tests; Playing so many Tests as a fast bowler is not an easy feat. However, there have been injury concerns around him in the recent past,” Chopra said on his official YouTube channel.
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The cricketer-turned-commentator heaped praise on Siraj and said that he gives 120 per cent on every ball and is always ready to do something for his captain.
“Let’s talk about Siraj. He brings energy to the attack, he gives 120% on every delivery. He is ready to cross the wall for captaincy. In South Africa you don’t need bowlers who are in the air. Have movement. You need bowlers who hit the deck and who can get the pace from the surface,” said the former Indian batsman.
He picked India’s pace trio for the upcoming tour and he will play Siraj’s role ahead of Ishant along with two senior players Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
“Siraj hits the deck hard. He is a very fast bowler and I think Siraj is already the third choice fast bowler. If India plays South Africa tomorrow, I will pick Bumrah, Shami and Mohammad Siraj.
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