'He was hardly mentioned' - Sanjay Manjrekar miffed with Mohammed Siraj not getting enough appreciation

Shubman Gill was one of the standout performers for India during the recently concluded three-match ODI series against New Zealand. He notched up a double century and a century in the series, and finished with a whopping 360 runs to his name from three games. Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar praised Gill for his consistent efforts, but also highlighted another star performer for India who did not receive the appreciation that he deserved.

After the third ODI in Indore, Manjrekar spoke extensively on the quick emergence of Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj in the context of India's series victory over New Zealand. In the absence of pace bowling superstar Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj headed India's pace unit and took over as Rohit Sharma's go-to bowler for the team. Manjrekar noted that Siraj received very little recognition during the post-match ceremony, and said that he should be given credits too.

“In the post-match, he was hardly mentioned. Hardly talked about. But yes, when I have to look at 1 player who is promising a lot. One player whose growth has been phenomenal. I've used this term many times. He at the moment looks like a complete seam bowler. And that says a lot about any performer and not just this format. In T20Is and Test matches as well,” Manjrekar told Star Sports.

Siraj will be there when India needs him: Manjrekar

Siraj was rested for the third ODI which concluded on Tuesday, January 24, at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. But in the two games that he played, he led India’s pace attack brilliantly, and picked up five wickets. Playing his first-ever international match at his home ground in Hyderabad, Siraj registered figures of 4/46 in the first ODI and was one of the major reasons behind India defending their target.

“Shubman Gill got a double hundred and a hundred. But when you look at the quality and against the toughest opposition in the world - big pressure match. Mohammed Siraj is somebody that India have found, who will be there when India need him,” Manjrekar added.

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