Mohammed Siraj's 3 best fielding efforts since 'Fielding Medal' was introduced
Mohammed Siraj has been an integral part of the Indian cricket team across all formats in the last few years. He has cemented his place as one of the top pacers in the country, and has represented the team in ICC World Test Championship, ODI World Cup, Asia Cup as well as T20 World Cup.
It is a general perception in cricket that fast bowlers tend to be lazy fielders. In the past, it was common to see fast bowlers avoid diving to save runs at the boundaries or commit some errors while stopping the ball in the in-field.
However, as time has passed, the fitness levels of fast bowlers have changed. Quite a few pacers have worked on their fielding skills in the modern era and help their teams save crucial runs.
One of those fast bowlers is Mohammed Siraj. Last year, India's fielding coach T Dilip introduced a 'fielding medal' for the player who performs the best in the fielding department during a match. Since then, the Indian players have upped their game to fight for the medal.
Mohammed Siraj has produced some extraordinary fielding performances on the ground. In this listicle now, we will have a look at the three best fielding efforts from Siraj since the 'fielding medal' was introduced.
#1 Mohammed Siraj takes an unbelievable catch against Bangladesh in Kanpur
The India vs Bangladesh Kanpur Test match ended earlier today (Tuesday, October 1), where the home side registered a seven-wicket win. Although rain washed out two back-to-back days in the Test, India played aggressively and returned with 12 crucial World Test Championship points from this match.
While fans majorly focused on India's extraordinary batting in this Test, Mohammed Siraj grabbed the headlines by taking a fine catch to dismiss Shakib Al Hasan in the first innings. Shakib mistimed an aerial shot off Ashwin's bowling, sending the ball high up into the sky.
Siraj, who was at mid-off inside the circle, had to run backwards to take the catch. He kept his balance and executed a backward dive as the ball stuck in his hand. When Siraj fell on the ground, it looked like he would drop the catch, but he maintained the grip and ensured Shakib had to walk back to the dressing room.
#2 Mohammed Siraj runs to the boundary to stop a 4 off his own bowling
During the Asia Cup 2023 Final against Sri Lanka last year, Siraj bowled one of the best spells of his life to help India record a win. At one point in the game, Siraj was on a hat-trick.
He bowled the hat-trick ball to Dhananjaya de Silva, who managed to connect well and find the gap through the vacant mid-on region. Since there was no fielder in that area, Siraj himself chased the ball all the way to the boundary line, leaving Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill in splits.
#3 Mohammed Siraj grabs a blinder to dismiss Nitish Kumar in 2024 T20 World Cup
India clashed against the USA for the first time in a T20I match during the 2024 T20 World Cup earlier this year. The USA's Nitish Kumar looked in good touch as he was batting on 27 off 22 when he tried a big shot towards mid-wicket off Arshdeep Singh's bowling.
It looked like the ball would sail over the boundary line, but Siraj took a fantastic catch to send Nitish back to the pavilion. Siraj lost his balance while taking the catch, but he ensured his body did not touch the boundary rope. Notably, Siraj won the fielding medal for this game.