I’m purely a rhythm bowler, my body doesn’t handle long breaks well – Siraj

Mohammed Siraj – Workload, Rhythm & Recent Form

• Test Workload (England 2023)

  • 1,113 deliveries (185.3 overs) across 5 Tests
  • 23 wickets – series‑best for India
  • Only Chris Woakes (181 overs, 12 fewer wickets) came close

• Impact of Long Breaks

  • Two‑month gap after the Afghanistan Test (June 8) before a warm‑up vs SLC XI (Aug 7)
  • Reported loss of rhythm, disjointed run‑up, reduced pace (late 120 km/h → early 130 km/h)
  • 143 km/h yorker against Gus Atkinson on final day of a five‑match series

• Sri Lanka Tour (Galle & Colombo)

  • 44 overs bowled – 14.3 overs fewer than Prasidh Krishna
  • Shubman Gill used Siraj the least (9 overs per innings in first Test)
  • Pace dipped; struggled to “explode through the crease”

• Duleep Trophy Final (Chennai)

  • 41 overs across two East Zone innings
  • Returned to rhythm with long spells (10–11 overs)
  • Noted that extended spells are key to regaining rhythm

• Key Takeaways for Writers

  • Siraj’s performance is highly sensitive to workload management; long breaks disrupt his natural rhythm.
  • He thrives on continuous bowling; short breaks are acceptable, but two‑month gaps are detrimental.
  • Recent form shows a return to pace and rhythm after the Duleep Trophy match, suggesting a positive trajectory if workload is managed carefully.