‘He has been very unlucky’ – Mike Hesson on Mohammed Siraj on not getting chances in white-ball cricket

The Director of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) side, Mike Hesson has heaped praises on Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj. Hesson said that Siraj has always been an enthusiastic cricketer whether things are going his way or not.

Hesson further added that many players might be pumped up when everything is going their way, but a player’s enthusiasm should be judged when he is going through some struggle. He also threw light on the time when Siraj was not a sure starter in the RCB side.

“You talk about that enthusiasm… it’s genuine. A lot of players can be really pumped up and enthusiastic when things are going your way. I always gauge a player when they are having a bit of struggle, and the energy that they bring to the group. And Siraj, when he was first here in 2020, he was not a guaranteed starter. In fact, he didn’t start,” said Mike Hesson as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Mohammed Siraj is a great team man and is hugely valuable: Mike Hesson

Mike Hesson also added that Siraj has always been a team man and that is a valuable trait in a player. Hesson further stated that Siraj has been unlucky as he is playing in an era where Indian cricket is blessed with fast bowling riches. The Kiwi concluded by stating that some Indian pacers are nearing the end of their careers, and Siraj will take over once these pacers are done as it will be a natural succession plan for Indian pace bowling.

“Look, I think he is really unlucky in terms of he’s in an era where India have a huge amount of depth in the seam-bowling ranks. And I also think he is in a period where a number of those bowlers have done well for India and they are coming potentially to the end of their careers.

“So I think it’s just a natural succession plan. The likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar have still got plenty to offer and therefore he is getting more opportunities. In time Siraj will take over,” concluded Hesson.