Leeds: The 27-year-old Hyderabad Pacers resolution has not surprised Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who says the pacer's confidence has attained a level where he believes he can dismiss any batsman at any time in the game. The youngest member of the fast bowling quartet Mohammed Siraj comprising Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ishant Sharma, took 11 wickets in the first two Tests against the hosts. His accurate line and length and control of the ball have consistently bothered the English batsmen. Siraj took eight wickets during the second Test at Lord's as India managed to win the match by 151 runs. Kohli further said that the Australia tour has taken Siraj's confidence to a distinct level.
Indian skipper Kohli said praising Siraj, ''I am not at all surprised as I have viewed him firmly. Siraj is a player who always had the ability. You just needed the courage to back that ability, Australia series has given him this confidence. When he comes out on the field he knows he can get anyone out anytime and his confidence in his game has reached a distinct level because of this what he is doing is giving the result needed.'' Kohli also appreciated explosive openers Rohit Sharma and consistent KL Rahul and believed that their good form would continue.
???????? Words of praise for @mdsirajofficial from #TeamIndia captain @imVkohli ????????????#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/8ugbo4mQ9M
? BCCI (@BCCI) August 24, 2021
Kohli said, 'I don't know what is the mindset of a person? At any stage you can go wrong with preparation, it doesn't mean you are under oppression. You decide, which does not turn out as expected. As a skipper, you always try to make the best decisions and he was trying to do the same.' The skipper further said, "We were shocked to see the kind of pitch it was, to be fair, I didn't expect it and I thought there would be more grass."
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