As the cricketing world gears up for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, former South African fast-bowling maestro, Dale Steyn, has shared his insights on the pacers to watch out for in the upcoming tournament. With a galaxy of world-class fast bowlers set to grace the event, Steyn’s picks offer an intriguing look into the anticipated action.
Among the formidable names like Jasprit Bumrah, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Kagiso Rabada, and Haris Rauf, Dale Steyn has highlighted India’s Mohammed Siraj as one of the standout bowlers to monitor during the competition.
Mohammed Siraj’s rise in the ODI format has been nothing short of meteoric. At the start of the year, he was ranked 137th among ODI bowlers. However, by September 2023, he ascended to the top spot, establishing himself as the number one ODI bowler in the world. His extraordinary performance in the Asia Cup 2023 final against Sri Lanka is etched in cricketing history, where he claimed a remarkable 6 for 21, playing a pivotal role in India’s victory.
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Dale Steyn lauded Siraj for his ability to swing the ball upfront and for his knack of dismissing top-order batsmen. Steyn identified him as a key player for India in the tournament, emphasizing his potential to make a significant impact.
“So my five fast bowlers to watch out in this tournament are Mohammed Siraj from India. Swings the ball up front, knocks over big batters. Key player for India,” said Steyn.
In addition to Mohammed Siraj, Dale Steyn also named other pace bowlers who could shine in the World Cup. His list included Kagiso Rabada, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mark Wood, and Trent Boult, all of whom have demonstrated their prowess with the ball on numerous occasions.
As Mohammed Siraj prepares to make his World Cup debut, the cricketing fraternity eagerly awaits his performances on the world stage. With his ability to swing the ball and disrupt opposition batting lineups, he is poised to play a significant role in India’s quest for World Cup glory.