3 REASONS WHY MOHAMMED SIRAJ SHOULD BE IN INDIA'S PLAYING XI FOR WTC FINAL

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Mohammed Siraj is in the best form of his life and high on confidence

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After a superb Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Mohammed Siraj is probably playing the best cricket of his career so far. However, T20 success alone doesn’t guarantee a Test spot, and Siraj  proved that with his superb debut.

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After taking 5 wickets in his debut Test at the MCG, Siraj took it one step further with a five-wicket haul in the second innings of the historic Gabba Test. He has consistently provided key breakthroughs and could be the weapon India need for the WTC final in England.

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Captain Virat Kohli's comments on Mohammed Siraj

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Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai before flying out to Southampton for the WTC final, Indian captain Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri leaked a sound bite that appeared to suggest Mohammed Siraj is in their plans. This happened while Kohli was replying to a query.

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Talking about how New Zealand have left-arm pacers who can trouble the Indian batsmen with their angles, Kohli hinted that Siraj bowling from around the wicket could serve the same purpose. Kohli's comments show that India may certainly consider fielding Siraj in the playing XI.

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Mohammed Siraj could complement Bumrah and Shami perfectly

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If Mohammed Siraj does play, and India go in with three pacers, Bumrah and Shami are safe from the axe. Both have been among the best Test bowlers in the world over the last few years. But the third spot, expected to be taken by veteran Ishant Sharma, could be up for grabs.

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Pacer Siraj could fill in this role and he would perfectly complement Bumrah and Shami. Siraj bowled superbly with the new ball, not only in Australia but in the IPL as well. Not that Ishant wouldn't be, but Siraj could prove to be the perfect assistant to the other two premier quicks.

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