Ishant Sharma Or Mohammed Siraj? VVS Laxman Made His Choice For WTC Final Against New Zealand

VVS Laxman has urged the Indian team management to pick Ishant Sharma over Mohammed Siraj for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand, starting on June 18 at Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

In recent times, there has been a lot of debate about who should be the third seamer India should play between veteran Ishant Sharma and youngster Mohammed Siraj.

However, with conditions favoring seamers in England, the trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, and Ishant Sharma, would be key for Virat Kohli-led side.

VVS Laxman feels that Mohammed Siraj would be confident after his performance against Australia and England, but Ishant Sharma’s experience should be given priority.

“I feel Siraj is confident after the way he performed against Australia and also against England. But the way Ishant has contributed over the years to Indian cricket is unbelievable.

“What we want in the all-important final is a lot of experience, and the way Ishant has given the solidity to the Indian bowling line-up has been exceptional. So I would go with Ishant, Shami, and Bumrah as my three pacers in the WTC final,” VVS Laxman told Sports today.

Notably, Mohammed Siraj made his Test debut in Australia in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and impressed everyone with his brilliant performance.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) bowler grabbed his chance with both hands when Team India were reeling from numerous injuries in the fast-bowling department. In five Tests, Siraj has picked up 16 wickets at an average of 28.25.

Laxman also heaped praise on the quality of pacers India have at present. He believes it is a blessing for the Indian team.

“There is a lot of experience and class in this fast-bowling line-up. All five bowlers are match-winners. I think that’s a blessing for this Indian team. One of the reasons we are playing the WTC final is how the bowling attack has performed consistently. Not only in overseas conditions, even in Indian conditions,” said Laxman.

With Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja as the top two leading spinners in the Indian squad, Laxman feels India have a quality bowling attack and are capable of restricting any batting line-up.

“I think India have five quality bowlers, who have done well in restricting the opposition and putting pressure. I think it is because of their experience they have been able to perform so well,” said Laxman.