Royal Challengers Bengaluru are having a season to forget in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) so far and look far from winning their maiden title this season. With some players lacking form with the bat, some bowlers haven’t shown their best game for the Challengers as well. Indian star pacer Mohd Siraj is one of them as he has been far from his best in the games he has played for RCB this season.
– Rohit and Bumrah handshake. 🤝
– Virat Kohli hugging Hardik. 🫂
– Siraj bowed down to Bumrah. 🙇♂️MI DEFEATED RCB IN MUMBAI. 💥 pic.twitter.com/UCAMxQRjaS
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 11, 2024
Harbhajan’s Advice To RCB
Harbhajan Singh has suggested that RCB should consider resting Mohammed Siraj for a few matches following their defeat to MI on April 11. Siraj has faced difficulties in finding his form during the IPL 2024 season, with RCB losing five out of their six matches. His struggles persisted in the match against MI at the Wankhede stadium.
“If I was part of the management, I would give him rest for a couple of games. Let him go back and think about what’s been happening with him. He has been the same Siraj whom we have seen taking wickets with the new ball, whether it’s Test cricket, one-day cricket, or even in this format. He has been a champion bowler for Team India and even for RCB. I feel he is not doing what he is required to do,” said Harbhajan.
In the match against MI in Mumbai, the RCB bowler conceded 37 runs in three overs without taking any wickets, contributing to MI’s victory. This performance meant that Siraj had only managed to take four wickets in six matches, with an average of 57.25. This is a stark contrast to his performance in IPL 2023, where he took 19 wickets at an average of 19.79. Speaking to Star Sports, Harbhajan suggested that the RCB management should allow Siraj some time to reassess his game, as he hasn’t been meeting the expectations set for him this season.
‘He Looks Very Tired’
Harbhajan mentioned that Siraj appears fatigued both mentally and physically, highlighting the demanding schedule he’s had in international cricket. He emphasized the challenge any bowler would face in bouncing back after a tough outing against MI, suggesting that it would be beneficial for Siraj to take some time to relax and reflect on his game.
“I think he is too tired. He is not there mentally, or physically also. He needs to take a rest. He has been playing a lot of cricket. He played 4 Tests against England. He bowls a lot of overs.”
“He looks very tired, physically and mentally. With this kind of hammering (vs MI), it’s hard for any bowler to wake up the next day and feel alright. I have gone through these kind of situations. You have to give yourself a bit of time, think about your game, and relax a bit. I am sure Siraj will come back strong,” said Harbhajan.
Also Read: Virat Kohli’s On-Field Emotions Captivate Spectators During RCB Vs MI Match