11 September,2026 02:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mohammed Siraj (Pic: AFP)
Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has linked his recent drop in pace during the Sri Lanka tour to a two-month gap, confirming that long spells in the Duleep Trophy final have helped him rediscover his form ahead of the upcoming international fixtures.
During the two-Test series in Sri Lanka, Siraj struggled to generate his pace, often clicking in the late 120s rather than early-to-mid 140s.
"Coming off a two-month break straight into a match, my rhythm wasn't quite there. I'm purely a rhythm bowler. If I'm not in sync, I simply can't explode through the crease. That was the struggle in Sri Lanka-my run-up felt disjointed. Some strides were too short, others were too long, and that broke my flow and cost me pace." Siraj said after the Duleep Trophy final.
Siraj's two-month break began after the Afghanistan Test in June and lasted until August's Sri Lanka tour. However, putting in 41 overs for South Zone against East Zone at Chepauk helped him get ready for the international matches coming up.
"Out here, everything clicked into place, and the pace followed naturally. Yes, it was very tough. We came straight from Sri Lanka, where we spent three and a half days fielding in the second Test (at Colombo), and within a week, we were out here playing in Chennai's sweltering heat," Siraj noted. "But for me, it comes down to passion. When you're representing your country, you can't make excuses. You have to give every ounce of effort for your team and nation," he added.
Despite going wicketless in the first innings while conceding 140 runs, Siraj remained confident, adding that finding his stride and rhythm was the main priority.
Siraj also benefited from discussions with senior fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who represented East Zone.
Shami shared his advice: "In the first innings, Siraj wasn't quite finding his natural rhythm. I just reminded him that to get back on top, he needed to return to his core strengths. When your run-up and rhythm are in sync, your line and length fall into place automatically."
(With inputs from PTI)
