India pacer Mohammed Siraj backed senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja to swiftly regain his rhythm, stating on Saturday that it would only take one wicket for the left-arm spinner to perform at his peak in Sunday’s series-deciding third ODI against New Zealand in Indore.
Jadeja could dismiss only one batsman in the last three-match series against South Africa at home, and he went wicketless in the first two ODIs against New Zealand (0/44 and 0/56) in the current series.
“I don’t think there is any concern about Jadeja’s form. It is a matter of just one wicket. Once you get that breakthrough, you will see a different bowler altogether,” PTI quoted Siraj as saying at the pre-match press conference.
Jadeja’s overall ODI record—nearly 2,900 runs at slightly over 32 and 232 wickets in 209 matches—remains valuable despite recent poor performances.
Despite being under pressure in the second ODI, where wasted opportunities allowed New Zealand to level the three-match series, Siraj emphasized that the bowling team remained confident.
“We played very well in both matches. In the first ODI, our bowling and batting were very good. In the second match, even after losing early wickets, KL Rahul batted well and Nitish Reddy also contributed,” he said.
Siraj admitted India had their opportunities while reflecting on Daryl Mitchell’s match-winning innings.
“There was an opportunity. When the catch dropped, if we had taken that chance, the result could have been different. World-class batters don’t give you many opportunities, and when they get one, they make you pay,” he said.
When asked why Mitchell has continuously caused problems for India, Siraj replied that although the bowlers had clear ideas, their execution at pivotal times was lacking.
“We tried our best to get him out and had plans, especially for the middle overs. But again, it comes down to taking that one opportunity. If we had taken that wicket, the scenario would have been different,” he added.
Siraj also emphasized that even if the series is going to a decider, the team atmosphere is still optimistic.
“The team environment is very good. There is strong input from the seniors. Wins and losses happen, but the atmosphere in the dressing room is very healthy, especially as we prepare for bigger tournaments,” he said.
Siraj voiced trust in Arshdeep Singh over the possibility of the left-armer sharing the new ball at the small Indore ground, but stated that management still has the last say.
“Arshdeep has bowled very well and took wickets with the new ball. The captain and coach decide the roles, but as a bowler, if someone is taking wickets at the other end, my job is to build pressure and not give runs. I have full confidence in him,” Siraj said.
“Harshit (Rana) has also done well, taken wicket upfront. It’s good for him that he is getting an opportunity ahead of the World Cup.”
Regarding his exclusion from the T20 World Cup, Siraj stated that although he would have loved to participate in the major competition, workload management may have made the decision.
Siraj stated he will continue to bowl a stump-to-stump line because Holkar Stadium has historically produced high-scoring games.
“It is a small ground and usually a high-scoring venue. As a bowler, if you bowl stump-to-stump, you always have options like LBW or bowled. Even if you miss, there is still a wicket chance,” he said.
The three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand is level at 1-1, and Sunday’s game will determine the series winner.
