Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) suffered their fourth straight loss in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium on April 11. RCB posted 196/8 off their 20 overs and MI successfully chased down the target with seven wickets in hand and 27 balls to spare. For the Faf du Plessis-led RCB, it was the fifth defeat in their six outings this season. Now, MI have propelled to seventh place in the IPL standings, while RCB sit ninth with only two points after six games in IPL 2024.
After the match, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh advised the RCB management to give some rest to their pacer Mohammed Siraj, who has been looking out of form this season. In six matches, he claimed only four wickets at an economy of 10.41. During the match against MI, Siraj conceded 37 runs in three overs and went wicketless. RCB bowlers managed to take only three wickets.
Give him rest for a couple of game: Harbhajan
“If I was part of the management, I would give him rest for a couple of games. Let him go back and think about what's been happening with him. He has been the same Siraj whom we have seen taking wickets with the new ball, whether it's Test cricket, one-day cricket, or even in this format. He has been a champion bowler for Team India and even for RCB. I feel he is not doing what he is required to do”, Harbhajan said while speaking on Star Sports.
'He needs to take rest'
Before the beginning of the IPL 2024, Siraj played four Test matches against England. Referring to this, Harbhajan said Siraj was looking tired mentally and physically and emphasised to him to take rest. Harbhajan further talked about bowlers that when they concede too many runs, they take time to recover from this nightmare.
“I think he is too tired. He is not there mentally, or physically also. He needs to take a rest. He has been playing a lot of cricket. He played four Tests against England. He bowls a lot of overs”, Harbhajan added.
"He looks very tired, physically and mentally. With this kind of hammering, it's hard for any bowler to wake up next day and feel alright. I have gone through these kind of situations. You have to give yourself a bit of time, think about your game, and relax a bit. I am sure Siraj will come back strong”, 43-year-old concluded.
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