Mohammed Siraj faces tough competition as Akash Deep emerges as potential replacement in Pune Test vs NZ: ‘You are expected to…’

Mohammed Siraj is facing criticism following a disappointing performance in the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand. Despite his impressive record in overseas conditions, Siraj has struggled to make an impact in home Tests. In 13 Tests played at home, the right-arm paceman has only managed to take 19 wickets at an average of 36.15.

He was picked over Akash Deep in Bengaluru to team up with Bumrah, but the plan misfired. Siraj managed to pick up two wickets in the first innings and remained wicketless in the second essay.

Former BCCI chief selector Saba Karim feels that it's high time India need to look for alternatives for Siraj in home Tests as he had not been able to pick consistent wickets with new ball. He mentioned Akash Deep as an option who made an impactful start to his Test career this year in home conditions.

"I reckon that Mohammed Siraj may be under some kind of pressure and I'm sure they will have a discussion before they pick the XI for the next test match. Because as a front-line seam bowler in a Test match, you are expected to pick wickets with the new ball and also come back and bowl well with the second new ball. To that extent, I don't think that Siraj has delivered and more so now, with Akash coming in and picking some early wicket. Plus Akash has got enough experience of bowling on such tracks in Indian conditions because he's been around for a number of years for for Bengal. So you would look to have somebody on your side who has the experience of bowling on such tracks, even though the tracks have been lifeless," Saba Karim said on Jio Cinema.

Former RCB coach Mike Hesson, who has worked with Siraj and Akash Deep in the past, also shared his view on the same and feels that the Indian management will discuss bringing Akash Deep into the XI for the second Test.

"I think the way he runs in hard, he hits the deck hard, and he has that wicket-taking ability. So I'm sure they will have a discussion about Akash Deep coming in place of Siraj," Hesson said.

"I think they're very different bowlers. I think the beauty of Akash Deep is that he arrives on you a little bit quicker than you think. So you know, he hits the bat hard and it's very hard to start against him," he concluded.