Siraj's Performance Under Scrutiny After India's Test Loss; Kaif Urges Strategic Bowling

Siraj Under Fire: Kaif Criticizes Bowler's Approach After Test Defeat

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has voiced his concerns regarding Mohammed Siraj's performance, following India's five-wicket defeat to England in the first Test at Headingley.

Despite the Headingley pitch offering limited support to bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah distinguished himself by claiming a five-wicket haul in the first innings. While Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj managed to secure three and two wickets respectively, their high economy rates of 6.40 and 4.50 raised eyebrows.

India's bowling performance further declined in the second innings. England's opening batsmen, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, forged a formidable 188-run partnership while chasing a target of 371 runs. England ultimately achieved the target with five wickets to spare.

Krishna and Shardul Thakur each managed to take two wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja claimed one. However, both Bumrah and Siraj went wicketless, despite bowling 19 and 14 overs respectively. Siraj's total contribution for the match amounted to two wickets from 41 overs.

"People say Mohammed Siraj tried very hard, bowls with his heart. Sir, don't bowl with your heart, bowl with your mind and with line and length where we can get wickets," Kaif stated on his YouTube channel, emphasizing the need for a more strategic approach.

Kaif further elaborated, "Why didn't Bumrah take wickets in the second innings? It's because the batters played defensively. They attacked Krishna, Shardul, and Siraj. The game plan becomes very easy when you know Bumrah will bowl 4-5 overs, play him well." This highlights the importance of a consistent and threatening bowling attack to maintain pressure on the opposition.

Concluding his analysis, Kaif remarked, "In the same bowling lineup, you give him (Gill) Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, and Bumrah. I guarantee you Gill will win this Test series. Those are the bowlers who know how to take 20 wickets," underscoring the significance of experienced bowlers who possess the ability to consistently take wickets.

IND vs ENG Series Schedule:

• 1st Test: England v India, 20-24 June 2025, Headingley, Leeds – England won by 5 wickets
• 2nd Test: England v India, 2-6 July 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham
• 3rd Test: England v India, 10-14 July 2025, Lord’s, London
• 4th Test: England v India, 23-27 July 2025, Old Trafford, Manchester
• 5th Test: England v India, 31 July-4 August 2025, The Oval, London