Mohammed Siraj, an Indian pacer, topped the ICC rankings for ODI bowlers on Wednesday, demonstrating his quick ascension in international cricket. Siraj overtook Josh Hazlewood of Australia and Trent Boult of New Zealand to take the top spot among ODI bowlers for the first time. Siraj’s performance in the ODI series at home earlier this month against Sri Lanka and New Zealand demonstrated just how much the right-armer has advanced in recent years. Siraj’s performance over the past 12 months has been immaculate.
Last year, India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey urged Siraj to improve some parts of his game, and the extra work the dynamic quick has put in has paid off.
Siraj got nine wickets against Sri Lanka to lead the three-game series, and he followed that up with a four-wicket haul in the first match of the recently concluded series against New Zealand.
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It means Siraj rises to the top of the ODI bowling rankings, albeit narrowly, with 729 rating points, his margin over Hazlewood just two rating points greater.
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When questioned about Siraj after India’s series triumph over New Zealand, skipper Rohit Sharma was effusive in his appreciation.
“He has done really well, he understands what the team is expecting from him,” Rohit said.
“To come and take the new ball, swing the ball, get early wickets. In the middle overs too, he’s got so much skill. The more he plays, the better he gets,” said the skipper.’
Following the conclusion of India’s home series against the Kiwis, fellow India pacer Mohammed Shami has leapt 11 places to 32nd overall on the latest list of ODI bowlers, while there is lots of movement at the top of the batter rankings.
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