'We failed to recognize him...': Ravichandran Ashwin urges Gautam Gambhir to rebuild bowling attack around Mohammed Siraj

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin was thoroughly impressed with Mohammed Siraj's performance in the fifth and final Test against England. The pacer played a crucial role in the Men in Blue's slim 6-run victory over the Three Lions by picking up a brilliant five-wicket haul in the final innings. He was the one who took three out of England's remaining four wickets on Day 5 at The Oval and led the visitors to a victory that will be remembered for years to come. The victory also saw India level the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at 2-2.

Ashwin feels that the Indian team had failed to recognize Siraj's efforts before the England series and urged head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management to rebuild the bowling attack around the 31-year-old. Notably, Siraj finished as the series' top wicket-taker as well, picking up a total of 23 scalps in 9 innings.

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“We failed to recognise Mohammed Siraj. The time has come to recognise him now. He once again put his hand up; he has given a compelling reason. Just look at his celebration, it seems as if he is saying, 'This is not the trailer. This is the main picture itself'. He is saying, ‘Please consider me as a match winner'. ’ He is reminding us what a champion bowler he is. His bowling action, his technique and good work ethic are allowing him to play all five Tests in a series,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

“He is also growing old. It is important for the team management to rest him as well from inconsequential matches. He could be your No.1 Test bowler; he could be your go-to Test bowler. We have to rebuild the bowling attack. Akash Deep is there, Prasidh Krishna is there, Arshdeep Singh is there. Around Mohammed Siraj and his experience, we have to build it,” he added.

Siraj was India's hero at both Edgbaston and Kennington Oval

Siraj was undoubtedly a key figure in the side that drew the five-match series against England and played a key role in both the Tests where they emerged victorious. Firstly, the 31-year-old picked up seven wickets in the second Test at Edgbaston where the Men in Blue recorded a massive 336-run victory. Then, he took a total of nine scalps in the fifth Test, playing a huge role in their thrilling win.

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It will be interesting to see if Siraj will be leading India's bowling attack in their next Test assignment where they will be touring West Indies for a two-match series which will commence from October 2.