Indian skipper Rohit Sharma’s unwavering belief in consistency when it comes to team selection faces a dilemma as he contemplates the inclusion of speedster Mohammed Siraj in the playing eleven for the second Test against New Zealand. The match, commencing on October 24 in Pune, presents a conundrum for Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir.
The inclusion of spin bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar as the fifth slow bowler suggests a preference for a spin-friendly track. However, Siraj’s underwhelming performance in home conditions raises concerns. Despite taking 80 wickets in 30 Test matches, only 19 of those scalps have come in 13 home Tests.
A coach who has worked extensively with current national team bowlers attributes Siraj’s struggles to an erroneous length for Indian conditions. He explains that Siraj’s ideal length of eight meters, suitable for bouncy pitches in Australia and South Africa, is too long for the lower bounce of Indian wickets.
The coach suggests that Siraj should pitch the ball around 6.5 meters to hit the top of the off-stump, a technique that has proven effective for other bowlers in India. However, Siraj’s current length allows batters more time to gauge the line and hit the ball.
Despite his struggles in home Tests, Siraj is expected to regain his form in the upcoming five-match series in Australia, where his length will be more effective. However, his performance in Pune and Mumbai, where he has previously looked menacing, remains uncertain.
