Siraj Under Fire: Former Cricketer Kaif Slams India Pacer's Performance After Test Loss to England

Siraj Faces Criticism After India's Test Defeat Against England

Following India's five-wicket defeat to England in the first Test at Leeds, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has voiced his concerns about Mohammed Siraj's bowling performance.

Mohammed Siraj of India (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Despite the Headingley pitch offering minimal support to bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah managed to secure a five-wicket haul in the first innings. Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj claimed three and two wickets, respectively, although both conceded runs at high economy rates of 6.40 and 4.50.

The Indian bowling performance further declined in the second innings. England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett formed a formidable 188-run partnership while chasing a target of 371 runs. England successfully achieved the target with five wickets remaining.

Krishna and Shardul Thakur each managed to take two wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja claimed one. Both Bumrah and Siraj went wicketless despite bowling 19 and 14 overs, respectively. Siraj's total wicket tally for the match was two from 41 overs.

"People say Mohammed Siraj tried very hard, bowls with his heart. Sir, don't bowl with your heart, bowl with your mind and with line and length where we can get wickets," Kaif stated on his YouTube channel.

Kaif further elaborated, "Why didn't Bumrah take wickets in the second innings? It's because the batters played defensively. They attacked Krishna, Shardul, and Siraj. Gameplan becomes very easy when you know Bumrah will bowl 4-5 overs, play him well."

Kaif concluded by saying, "In the same bowling lineup, you give him (Gill) Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, and Bumrah. I guarantee you Gill will win this Test series. Those are the bowlers who know how to take 20 wickets."