'You can play domestic cricket, but...': Ex-India selector raises questions over Mohammed Siraj's workload management

Former India selector Devang Gandhi slammed the team management for not picking Mohammed Siraj in the squad for the ongoing three-match ODI series against South Africa. He also questioned why the experienced pacer has been allowed to play domestic cricket, but hasn't been selected for an important international series. Notably, Siraj has been featuring for Hyderabad in the ongoing edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

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“Why is Mohammed Siraj not playing this ODI series, especially after his growth in stature since the England series? Okay, you have rested Jasprit Bumrah because of his workload. Now then, if that’s the reason with Siraj as well, then how is he playing in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy (for Hyderabad)? Does workload management imply you can play domestic cricket but not the international matches?” Gandhi told Telegraph India.

“Suppose on the eve of a game, one of the three quicks gets injured or indisposed. Who do you play then? You don’t have enough (ODI cricket) experience in your pace group in the first place, and then you could be forced to include (seamer all-rounder) Nitish Kumar Reddy, who will neither bat in the top six nor give you too many overs with the ball. The presence of an experienced guy like Siraj could seriously have helped in such a situation,” he added.

India's abysmal bowling display so far

These comments come after the relatively inexperienced Indian bowling attack has given dismal performances in the first two ODIs against South Africa, conceding 332 and 358 runs respectively. The pace attack comprising of Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna has looked to be toothless at times and has turned out to be incredibly expensive.

Meanwhile, the ODI series between India and South Africa is currently level at 1-1 after the conclusion of two games. After the Men in Blue came out on top in the first ODI by a margin of 17 runs, the Proteas hit back straight away in the next match.

South Africa level series in thriller

They went on to complete a sensational run-chase of 359 with just four deliveries left to spare as Aiden Markram (110), Matthew Breetzke (68) and Dewald Brevis (54) proved to be the star performers. The series deciding third and final ODI between the two teams will be held on December 6 at the ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.