Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Mohammed Siraj is unhappy with unfavourable bowling conditions in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 which has led to 250-plus totals becoming a new normal.
Siraj who earlier criticised the impact player rule which has given batters license to play with more freedom.
"See, nowadays cricket is really different, now 250-260 is made in every second match, earlier 250 was a rare thing," said Siraj after RCB chased down the 201-run target set by Gujarat Titans (GT) with four overs to spare.
"There is no help for bowlers, there is smaller grounds and flat wickets, there is no swing in the ball, so lots of changes. Bowlers can just keep playing and keep getting hit."
Siraj has conceded runs at 9.50 runs per over, considerably more than last year. He believes that he is not bogged down after an expensive spell and looks for a comeback.
"As a bowler, you have to keep the self-belief. I have seen lots of ups and downs in life, so I don't give up if 1-2 matches don't go my way. I look for a comeback," Siraj said.
"After one month, there is the World Cup... so I tell myself that if I get hit on a good ball, it is fine but I need to keep bowling less bad balls. I have not really bowled too badly this IPL, now 40 runs (in quota of four overs) is normal in T20 cricket."
Siraj feels luck is important too
The 30-year-old who picked up the wicket of Shahrukh Khan and went for 34 runs in his quota of four overs is nowhere in the purple cap race. He has just six scalps at an average of 53.83. He is looking to focus on fine-tuning his skills but believes luck plays a big role as well.
"T20 is all about luck, you don't get wicket in good balls and sometimes even a full toss gets you a wicket. So luck matters a lot. I keep working on my flaws during training,” he added.
"My mindset is always like I am the best bowler, when I go to the field, my attitude and mindset remains the same and it helps in my execution."
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