Mohammed Siraj, one of India’s most overworked fast bowlers, has thrown his weight behind the BCCI’s push for top players to participate in domestic cricket. Despite having bowled more deliveries than most Indian pacers across formats in recent years, Siraj believes playing in the Ranji Trophy is crucial for senior players and youngsters alike. Reportedly, the BCCI came up with numerous SOPs for the players, including issuing a diktat for mandatory participation in domestic cricket when available.
Stepping onto the field for Hyderabad’s final Ranji Trophy Group B match against Vidarbha, Siraj returned to the domestic circuit after nearly five years. His appearance came after Siraj was ignored by the BCCI when naming India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy.
Siraj’s only love: Test cricket
“Playing for Hyderabad after so many years felt really good. It was great to be back with my teammates,” Siraj said while speaking to Sportstar. “Red-ball cricket is my life, and I will do anything to play it. Test cricket is everything to me.” Siraj, who has become India’s regular pacer in Test cricket, wears his heart on his sleeves. Siraj runs in like no one else and gives his all in that 22-yard pitch. Regardless, Siraj hasn’t had the best of BGT series. He has been India’s all-format pacer as well before Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar decided to choose Arshdeep Singh over him in the upcoming ODI season.
BCCI’s domestic mandate is approved by Siraj
The BCCI’s recent mandate urging contracted players to take part in domestic cricket has seen stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma return to the Ranji Trophy. Siraj welcomed the move, saying it benefits both seasoned players and youngsters. “When you’re free or available, you have to take time out to represent your state. Youngsters get motivated when they share a dressing room with senior players like Virat bhai and Rohit bhai. It’s a good sign for the new generation,” he added. This was indeed true as stadiums filled out when Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli put on their respective state’s jerseys.
Managing a Heavy Workload
Siraj’s workload has been relentless. Since 2021, he has bowled 7,278 deliveries across all formats, making him one of the most heavily utilized pacers in world cricket. However, the 30-year-old has dismissed concerns about taking a break. “Of course, as a human being, you need rest sometimes. But when you have the ball in hand, you just run in and bowl. Representing India has been my dream since childhood, and I just enjoy the opportunity.”
Indian pacers with most balls bowled since 2023 ft. Siraj
| Player | Inns | Balls | Overs | Wkts | Ave | Econ | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Siraj | 73 | 4103 | 683.5 | 104 | 27.89 | 4.24 | 39.4 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 54 | 3361 | 560.1 | 124 | 15.26 | 3.37 | 27.1 |
| Mohammed Shami | 28 | 1503 | 250.3 | 56 | 20.50 | 4.58 | 26.8 |
| Hardik Pandya | 50 | 1149 | 191.3 | 53 | 24.32 | 6.73 | 21.6 |
| Arshdeep Singh | 47 | 1135 | 189.1 | 78 | 18.12 | 7.47 | 14.5 |
