Mohammed Siraj reveals reason behind his struggles in Sri Lanka
(Courtesy : BCCI)
Mohammed Shami shared advice with Mohammed Siraj during the Duleep Trophy 2026.
In recent years, Mohammed Siraj has been one of India‘s key fast-bowling options. He has often played a key role for India, especially when Jasprit Bumrah has been unavailable. Siraj has also shown that he can bowl long spells and maintain his intensity across a Test match.
However, his recent performances in Sri Lanka were not at the level he would have wanted. The pacer later explained that a rare two-month break before the series affected his rhythm and pace. He then used the Duleep Trophy final to get himself back into the flow.
Siraj was India’s lead pacer on the Sri Lanka tour but looked off his usual pace and consistency in hitting the right length. He then turned up for South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final, where he conceded 140 runs in 25 overs in the first innings as East Zone piled up a match-winning 708.
Mohammed Siraj opens up on what went wrong in Sri Lanka
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Mohammed Siraj admitted that the two-month break had a major impact on his bowling. He said he kept working out in the gym and bowled occasionally during the break, but that wasn’t enough to recreate the intensity of a real match.
“Every bowler’s body is different, but mine doesn’t handle long breaks well. A short breather is fine, but in my 10-year career, I had never taken two full months off.”
The break affected Siraj’s run-up and his ability to generate his usual pace. During the Sri Lanka series, he struggled to find the rhythm that normally helps him bowl at his best.
Siraj explained that he relies heavily on his rhythm while bowling, and even a slight change in his run-up can affect his performance.
“I’m purely a rhythm bowler. If I’m not in sync, I simply can’t explode through the crease.”
After returning from Sri Lanka, Siraj played for South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final in Chennai. The match allowed him to regain his rhythm through extended spells.
His first innings was difficult as he conceded 140 runs in 25 overs without taking a wicket. However, Siraj was more effective in the second innings and showed better control and pace.
Duleep Trophy helped Siraj regain his rhythm
Siraj used the Duleep Trophy final to reacclimatize his body to match intensity. He bowled long spells and felt that the extended time on the field helped him regain his natural rhythm.
“That’s just how my body works – the more overs I bowl, the better I get. If I don’t bowl extended spells, my rhythm won’t return.”
The pacer finished the second innings with figures of 16-2-47-1. His pace also improved, with the speedometer showing him getting closer to his usual pace.
Siraj also spoke to senior India pacer Mohammed Shami during the game. Shami reminded him to return to his core strengths instead of trying to force his pace.
How did Mohammed Siraj perform in the Duleep Trophy 2026 final?
He conceded 140 runs in 25 overs without a wicket in the first innings but improved in the second innings with figures of 2/47.
Why did Mohammed Siraj struggle in Sri Lanka?
Siraj said a rare two-month break affected his rhythm, pace and ability to maintain his usual intensity.
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