‘Don’t burn him out’: RP Singh sounds alarm, says Mohammed Siraj is in Jasprit Bumrah’s league | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: Mohammed Siraj might have just delivered the performance of his life in England, but former India pacer RP Singh has warned against overworking the fast bowler, saying India must manage Siraj’s workload with the same care as Jasprit Bumrah if they want to preserve him for the long haul.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking to PTI-Bhasha after India’s thrilling 2-2 draw in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Singh said: “Fast bowlers are at higher risk of injury when they play too many matches in a short time. Siraj’s workload should be managed just like we did with Bumrah.”
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Siraj bowled a massive 185.3 overs across the five-match Test series and emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 23 wickets, including a memorable 5-wicket haul in the Oval decider. The final delivery of the series — a 143 kmph yorker to clean up Gus Atkinson — was among his top five fastest deliveries of the tour.
“He was the only Indian bowler who played all five Tests and still maintained full energy throughout. That speaks volumes of his fitness and mental strength. He never lacked effort.”Singh believes that Siraj, like Bumrah, is now indispensable: “Siraj is in the same league as Bumrah now. To protect him from injuries, we need to seriously focus on his workload.”Highlighting their camaraderie, Singh said: “Just like batsmen need partnerships, so do bowlers. Bumrah and Siraj complement each other. When Bumrah isn’t around, Siraj becomes the leader automatically.”RP Singh also praised Shubman Gill’s captaincy, calling his leadership and 754-run tally “outstanding.”
On India’s cautious team selections, Singh sympathised with players like Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh, who sat out the series: “The team focused on strengthening the batting with all-rounders. Kuldeep could’ve been effective on at least two or three wickets. But such calls happen. He’ll get more chances.”Singh also endorsed like-for-like injury substitutions, pointing to brave efforts from Rishabh Pant and Chris Woakes, who batted through serious injuries.“There should be a neutral doctor or physio who can decide the injury status. Teams should be allowed replacements for players who are genuinely unfit.”With his standout showing in England, Siraj has become India’s go-to pace warrior — but Singh’s warning is clear: if not managed carefully, this workhorse could burn out too soon.
