India’s new-ball bowler Mohammed Siraj is not among the top 15 wicket-takers of ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 but with consistent performances, he became the no.1 ODI bowler dethroning Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi. Siraj may have not been at his lethal best but he has got crucial wickets and played a vital role in India’s eight consecutive wins in the tournament. Ahead of India’s last league clash against the Netherlands, Siraj said that the No. 1 spot does not matter to him as he wants the team to continue their dominance and win the trophy.
“To be honest I was no.1 for some time in between, then I went down. The number doesn't matter to me. The goal is that India win the World Cup. That is the team's goal and mine. I hope my performance is good for India. This is all that matters,” Siraj told the ICC at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
“I feel so proud to be a part of this team, the involvement and giving such a performance in the World Cup. I am glad to be with this team. All I want is that this team perform well in each match from here.”
Siraj has taken 10 wickets in the tournament so far including 3/16 against Sri Lanka at Wankhede Stadium. There are three more Indian bowlers in the top 10. Kuldeep Yadav s ahead of Afridi at no.4 whereas Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are in eighth and 10th place respectively.
On the other hand, Indian opener Shubman Gill dethroned Pakistan skipper Babar Azam as no.1 ODI batter.
“Feels good, but I don't think the job is done. We have a couple of more important matches to go and hopefully, we are able to top it off with a trophy. That would be amazing,” Gill said.
Gill was asked how it feels to join the list of legendary places who have achieved the no.1 spot in the ODI rankings, he said, “It feels great. As a kid, you always dreamed of playing for your country. To be able to play for the country in the World Cup and do well is always amazing. You can't really express it in words. I am in great company.”
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