After India clinched the T20I series against Sri Lanka by winning first two matches, the stage was set for a dead rubber on Sunday, which gave Men in Blue an opportunity to make some changes in playing XI. A very different bowling unit was announced for the match with only Harshal Patel retaining his place.
Mohammed Siraj, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi were selected in the side and were presented with a challenging task of restricting Sri Lanka to a paltry total on a small ground in Dharamshala. And guess what, the bowlers did not disappont! It all started with Mohammed Siraj taking a wicket in very first over, as he clean bowled Danushka Gunathilaka.
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The right-arm pacer bowled fast and quick in a terrific spell of bowling, conceding only 22 runs in 4 overs. At times, Siraj looked unplayable suggesting a remarkable turnaround for him who used to get trolled for leaking runs few years back.
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan, who was doing commentary during 3rd T20I, gave the credit of Siraj’s success to Virat Kohli, under whose leadership the pacer rose to fame. The 37-year-old made a big statement as he said, “Virat Kohli has made Mohammed Siraj. You can see his confidence when he bowls.”
Mera career Virat bhaiya ke wajah se hai: Siraj
It was indeed a huge claim made by Pathan, but it was one which was quite true. Even Mohammed Siraj has admitted in past that he owes his career to former Indian and RCB skipper.
“I had lost my father during the Australia series. I was shattered and not really in my senses. It was Virat bhaiya who gave me strength and support. Mera career Virat bhaiya ke wajah se hai (I owe my career to Virat),” Siraj had revealed in an interview last year.
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“He (Virat) has supported me through thick and thin. He has always been there for me and in all circumstances. I still remember how I was crying in the hotel room. Virat bhaiya came into my room and hugged me tightly and said – ‘I am with you, don’t worry.’ Those words encouraged me a lot,” Siraj had added.
“He (Virat) played just one Test on the tour but his messages and calls motivated me. And that’s why I could perform. In fact, I didn’t have a good season with RCB in the past two years. But he (Virat) was always there to support me. He has backed me a lot,” said Siraj, who would certainly not shy away from agreeing with comments made by Irfan Pathan on Sunday.
