'People Talk About Pakistan's New-Ball Attack, But India...': Ex-Captain’s Bold Remarks Ahead of WC 23

Mohammed Siraj’s phenomenal spell against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023 final on Sunday has spoken volumes about the standard of India’s pace attack, especially when the team is gearing for up for the 50-over Over World Cup. The right-arm quick shattered a plethora of records with the figures of 6 for 21 in 7 overs as India bowled out Sri Lanka for 50 in just 15.2 overs. Besides Siraj, vice-captain Hardik Pandya returned figures of 3 for 3 while Bumrah ended up picking a wicket as well.

A clinical performance against the Lankans in a crucial encounter like the Asia Cup final has instilled a sense of confidence in the Indian camp. At the same time, the experts too are speaking highly of the team which is going to lock horns with 9 heavyweights from across the world.

Former India captain and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar compared the Indian pace attack with that of Pakistan. Speaking with India Today, he said Siraj’s phenomenal show against Sri Lanka showcased the quality of the Indian bowling unit.

“Honestly, I can’t recall when we had something like that. But it just tells you the quality of the new ball attack, that India have. A lot of times, people talk about Pakistan’s new ball attack. But I think this Indian new ball attack, with Bumrah coming back. Bumrah might not have got the wickets, but he kept the pressure on. Don’t forget, we have someone like Mohammed Shami, who is not playing in the XI. So it just tells you that the reserve India has, as far as pace bowling is concerned”, Gavaskar told India Today.

“Mohammed Siraj deserves all the praise. I also love the way everybody in the Indian team was laughing when he having taken those wickets, he chased the ball to the boundary. Just shows the energy of the man, the enthusiasm of the man to be totally involved. He is one of those cricketers, who gives every ball, everything,” he further added.

Siraj ended the Asia Cup with 10 wickets in his kitty, being the third-highest wicket-taker in the continental event. Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi picked up as many wickets but Siraj had a better bowling average – 12.20. Sri Lanka’s Matheesha Pathirana topped the chart with 11 wickets in 6 games, averaging 24.55.