The Asia Cup is nearing fast as the Indian contingent is currently having a camp in NCA before travelling to Sri Lanka for their opening encounter against arch-rivals Pakistan. Before playing the first game, the Men in Blue will need to finalize their third pacer for their starting XI. The competition for the third spot is mainly between Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and all-rounder Shardul Thakur. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are expected to be the first two pacers in the playing XI.
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Siraj is ranked fifth in ODI bowling Rankings
Mohammed Siraj is likely to be dominant choice for being the third pacer. The right-arm pacer played his last ODI game in March 2023, still he is among the top 5 ODI bowlers in ICC rankings. Speaking about his overall records, the 29-year-old has played 24 matches and scalped 43 wickets so far.
His economy is under 4 despite bowling in the field restrictions and later on in the death overs. Over they years, Siraj has improved a lot in his death bowling with his agility on field being a plus point as compared to Shardul or Krishna. However, Siraj sometime has his off days where he can be taken out for runs whether be powerplay or towards the ending stages of the match.
No matter what, you cannot count out Shardul Thakur. Over and over again the Palghar express has stood up for India in crunch situations. Shardul has a knack for scalping wickets in crucial junctures. With the bat, he can be more than handy as he holds the capacity to clear the ropes. With Hardik being the only pace all-rounder in the team, Shardul might be seen in action sooner rather than later.
Making his comeback in the Indian team, pacer Prasidh Krishna looked in good bowling shape against Ireland. Also making his T20I debut, Krishna scalped four wickets in two outings. With Bumrah and Shami starting with the new ball, there are low chances that Krishna will be preferred as the third seam option as he has the tendency to leak runs in the death overs. Speaking about his overall numbers in ODIs, Krishna has played 14 matches and scalped 25 wickets at an average of almost 24. His economy is 5.32 with 4 for 12 his best bowling spell.
