Indian pacer Mohd Siraj has rediscovered his love for bowling during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, following a challenging home Test season against Bangladesh and New Zealand. Siraj, who struggled to make an impact in spin-friendly Indian conditions, admitted that his performance had left him disheartened. However, a shift in mindset, aided by advice from former bowling coach Bharat Arun and support from current coach Morne Morkel and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, has reignited his passion for the game.
In the four matches he played during the home Test season, Siraj managed just six wickets, including a wicketless outing against New Zealand in Mumbai. Reflecting on his form, Siraj said, “I could feel that I was not enjoying my bowling. Even if I am not taking wickets, I thrive when I enjoy bowling. I started thinking deeply about my performances and became upset. But now, I am having a lot of fun.”
The change began during the pink-ball warm-up match against Prime Minister’s XI, where India secured a five-wicket win. Siraj credited former bowling coach Bharat Arun for his renewed confidence. “I spoke with Bharat Arun sir. He told me to focus on enjoying my bowling instead of chasing wickets. That advice made a big difference,” Siraj shared. He also worked with fielding coach Dilip during his preparations in Hyderabad, which further boosted his morale.
Siraj’s stellar performance in the Perth Test, where he claimed five wickets, highlighted his effectiveness in Australian conditions. His bowling prowess has been particularly evident in Australia, where he has taken 18 wickets in four matches at an impressive average of 25.27, including a memorable five-wicket haul at the Gabba during the 2021 series.
Siraj praised current bowling coach Morne Morkel, calling him a motivational figure. “Morne keeps telling me, ‘You are a warrior. Just enjoy your bowling, and wickets will come,’” Siraj said. Similarly, teammate Jasprit Bumrah advised him to stay consistent and not stress over wickets. “Jassi bhai told me to focus on my areas and enjoy my bowling. He said, ‘If you don’t get wickets, then come back to me.’ That advice has helped me a lot,” Siraj revealed.
Siraj is also gearing up for his first outing with the pink ball at the Adelaide Test on December 6. Speaking about the challenges of bowling with the pink ball, he noted its synthetic texture and hard seam. “It feels different from the red ball. I think back-of-length deliveries work better with the pink ball since it doesn’t swing much when pitched up. I’ve heard it swings more under lights, so we’ll practice and adapt,” he said.
Reflecting on Australian pitches, Siraj expressed his enthusiasm for the pace and bounce they offer. “Australia is a paradise for fast bowlers. The pace and bounce give us everything we need. It boosts your confidence and makes bowling enjoyable,” he concluded.
