Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has opined that the team management can help nurture star bowler Mohammed Siraj for the 2027 World Cup and ensure that he fills Mohammed Shami's boots for the marquee event. Siraj is a part of India's 15-member squad for India's upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, and is likely to make it to the World Cup, to be held in Africa.
The cricketer-turned-commentator complimented Siraj's prowess in red-ball cricket and urged the pacer to be picked more consistently in 50-over internationals. The Baroda-born also felt Siraj could be the lead bowler for India for when tearaway star Jasprit Bumrah is not available in the eventual line-up. Notably, Siraj recently played domestic for Hyderabad, and picked 14 wickets across seven white-ball encounters.
Other than giving his prediction for the three-match series against the BlackCaps, the former India all-rounder felt one either Harshit Rana or Arshdeep Singh may be seen sacrificing their position for the left-arm wrist-spin of Kuldeep Yadav to come into the mix.
