Mohammed Siraj and Devdutt Padikkal have added a touch of stardom to the Duleep Trophy final beginning in Chennai on Sunday.
This red-ball assignment will probably be Siraj’s last fixture before the Test series in New Zealand in November.
The selectors thought it was essential for the pacer to hit the right lengths and regain rhythm after failing to impress in Sri Lanka. He had hardly played much since the IPL.
Siraj’s bowling came under intense scrutiny after operating in only the 125-130kmph range in Sri Lanka. He managed only four wickets in two Tests averaging 25.75.
The insipid performance prompted skipper Shubman Gill to underline the need for Siraj to regain his rhythm. His form and experience will be of huge importance if India are to do well in New Zealand especially considering that Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness is always suspect.
Chepauk is likely to serve up a bouncy, red-soil pitch, which could potentially help Siraj. The national selectors will be keenly following the final and Siraj needs to perform to exude confidence in their minds.