Former Indian pacer RP Singh has urged the selectors and the team management to seriously focus on Mohammed Siraj’s workload in the future. His remarks come after the bowler not only played all five Tests in England but also finished as the leading wicket-taker in the series. Siraj stepped up in the absence of Bumrah to deliver for the team whenever required, and played a crucial role in India finishing the series 2-2.

Not just Bumrah, Siraj’s workload needs management too

Speaking to PTI-Bhasha, Singh claimed that Siraj is in the same league as Bumrah is, noting that his workload needed to be managed just like how the latter’s is being done. After sustaining a back injury in the IND vs AUS Test series, Bumrah decided that he would only play 3 out of the 5 Tests in England, and stuck to that plan. On the other hand, despite being India’s second most overworked bowler in the previous calendar year, Siraj featured in all five Tests.

“Fast bowlers are at higher risk of injury when they play too many matches in a short time. Siraj’s workload should be managed just like we did with Bumrah. Siraj is in the same league as Bumrah now. To protect him from injuries, we need to seriously focus on his workload,” RP Singh said.

Siraj bowled 185.3 overs in the IND vs ENG Test series and finished with 23 wickets to his name. While Bumrah played just three Tests and bowled rather shorter spells, other Indian pacers like Akash Deep struggled to fight off fatigue and other injury concerns to deliver for the team. Meanwhile, Siraj stood out, with his ability to bowl long spells, with consistent pace and lengths.

Mohammed Siraj in IND vs ENG Tests