Important to manage and keep him fresh for Australia Tests and World Cup: Improved Siraj impresses Rohit | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: All set to feature in maiden ODI at his home ground in Hyderabad against New Zealand on Wednesday, Mohammed Siraj received praise from his skipper Rohit Sharma, who is highly impressed with pacer’s massive improvement in the last couple of years.
In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, an ‘improved’ Siraj stepped up and played a pivotal role in India’s home ODI series win against Sri Lanka.
Grabbing nine wickets in three matches, Siraj was the highest wicket-taker in the series and averaged an impressive 10.22.
Rohit, ahead of the series opener against the Kiwis, raved about Siraj stating that the 28-year-old was the standout performer against Sri Lanka.

The skipper mentioned that Siraj needs to be looked after and will be crucial for the team in the upcoming Test series against Australia and the ODI World Cup at home in October-November later this year.
“He is a very important player for us. He has improved his line and length a lot in the last two years. Now we are getting to see his outswing. He was not known for his swing but he did that against Sri Lanka. That is very good for the team if he can do that with the new ball consistently,” Rohit said.
“He understands his bowling a lot better now which is a big thing in my view. He also knows what the team wants from him. All in all, he has become a very good bowler for us. He can take wickets in all phases and we need bowlers like him. We need to manage him and keep him fresh for the World Cup as well upcoming Tests against Australia,” the skipper added.

Siraj will be part of the ODI series against New Zealand but has been rested for the T20Is against the Kiwis as the Australia 4-Test series will get underway shortly after that from February 9.