India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has come under scrutiny over his recent performances, but former India bowling coach Bharat Arun believes the pacer is going through a temporary dip in form and can return to his best with the right preparation.
Siraj has emerged as one of India’s dependable fast bowlers, particularly in Test cricket. With Mohammed Shami out of international action and Jasprit Bumrah dealing with injury concerns, Siraj has taken on greater responsibility in India’s pace attack.
However, questions have recently been raised about his pace and rhythm following the Test series against Sri Lanka and India’s ODI series against the West Indies, which the hosts won 2-1.
Arun has now backed Siraj to overcome the difficult phase, while also sharing his views on Shami’s prolonged absence from the Indian team.
Bharat Arun calls Mohammed Siraj’s struggles a temporary dip in form
Bharat Arun believes Siraj’s recent struggles should not be viewed as a long-term concern. According to the former bowling coach, a temporary loss of form is a natural part of every sportsperson’s career, whether they are a batter or a bowler.
Arun also pointed out that Siraj had taken time away from cricket before the Test series against Sri Lanka. After an extended break, players can sometimes need time to regain their rhythm and overcome small technical issues that may have crept into their game.
Speaking during a media interaction organised by Sony Sports Network, Arun expressed confidence that Siraj could rediscover his best form.
Bharat Arun backs Mohammed Siraj to regain his rhythm
Arun believes Siraj’s experience will help him overcome his current difficulties. He stressed that rhythm has always been one of the fast bowler’s biggest strengths and suggested that working closely with his coach could help him return to his best.
‘This is a temporary loss of form, I think, be it a bowler or a batter, is bound to happen sometimes,’ Arun said.
He added that Siraj should focus on regaining his rhythm rather than worrying excessively about his recent performances.
Arun’s comments offer encouragement to the Indian pacer, who has become an important member of the team’s bowling attack, especially in the longest format.
Siraj’s form concerns emerge ahead of India’s upcoming assignments
Questions about Siraj’s pace and consistency have surfaced following India’s recent international matches. The concerns were discussed after the Test series against Sri Lanka and the ODI series against the West Indies, which India won 2-1.
Arun also referred to the break Siraj took before the Sri Lanka Tests, suggesting that returning to competitive cricket after time away can require an adjustment period.
The focus will now be on whether Siraj can regain his rhythm and deliver the consistent performances expected from an experienced international fast bowler.
Siraj remains an important part of India’s pace attack
Siraj’s role in India’s bowling unit has become increasingly significant amid the absence of Mohammed Shami and the injury concerns surrounding Jasprit Bumrah.
The Hyderabad-born pacer has established himself as a reliable option across formats, with his contributions particularly valuable in Test cricket.
His ability to bowl long spells and challenge batters with pace and movement makes him an important part of India’s plans. Regaining consistency will be crucial as India prepare for their upcoming international assignments.
Rhythm and workload management could be key to Siraj’s comeback
According to Arun, Siraj’s recent dip in form may be linked partly to the challenges of returning after a break from cricket. The former bowling coach explained that players can take time to rediscover their natural rhythm after an extended period away from competition.
He believes Siraj should work with his coach to address any minor issues and rebuild the consistency that has made him an effective fast bowler.
Rather than treating the situation as a major concern, Arun views it as a phase that an experienced player can overcome with the right approach.
Bharat Arun explains why Mohammed Shami does not need to prove himself
Arun also addressed Mohammed Shami’s continued absence from international cricket. The experienced fast bowler has not represented India since the Champions Trophy 2025 final, according to the supplied report.
Arun was clear that Shami has already established his credentials across formats and does not need to prove his abilities again to earn a place in the national side.
‘Shami does not need to prove what he can do to be picked into the Indian team. He’s proved enough across all formats,’ Arun said.
He added that the selection decision should depend on form rather than any further demonstration of Shami’s capabilities.
Arun’s remarks underline the importance of evaluating Shami on his current form and readiness while recognising his past achievements for India.
For now, Siraj’s immediate priority will be to regain his rhythm, while Shami’s return to international cricket remains a separate selection question.