Ravi Shastri Criticizes India's Decision to Send Mohammed Siraj as Nightwatchman in Test Against New Zealand
Shastri questioned the rationale behind sending Siraj, suggesting that a more capable batsman, such as Ravichandran Ashwin, should have taken on the nightwatchman role. “If they had to send someone, then someone like Ashwin should have been out there. Not only is Ashwin totally capable, you can’t just call him a nightwatchman,” Shastri remarked during the commentary.
The Indian cricket team faced a tough opening day in the third Test against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, ending the day in a precarious position at 86 for 4 after initially looking solid at 78 for 1. A crucial moment came when nightwatchman Mohammed Siraj was dismissed for a duck after facing just one ball, raising eyebrows and prompting criticism from former India captain Ravi Shastri.
Shastri questioned the rationale behind sending Siraj, suggesting that a more capable batsman, such as Ravichandran Ashwin, should have taken on the nightwatchman role. “If they had to send someone, then someone like Ashwin should have been out there. Not only is Ashwin totally capable, you can’t just call him a nightwatchman,” Shastri remarked during the commentary.
Siraj's dismissal not only left India reeling but also wasted a valuable review, compounding the team's frustrations. Shastri expressed empathy for Siraj, noting the isolation a player might feel after such a decision. “How did I get that wrong, is what Mohammed Siraj is thinking. It can be a lonely place, the dressing room,” he added.
India's batting lineup struggled significantly after the early loss of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who contributed 30 runs before an ill-advised reverse slog sweep led to his downfall. The team quickly lost three wickets in just eight balls, underscoring a lack of composure in critical moments. While India's bowlers, particularly Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, performed admirably by bowling New Zealand out for 235, the batting failures highlighted a recurring issue for the team.
Jadeja's impressive 5-wicket haul marked his 14th five-for in Tests, moving him ahead of former teammates Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma in the list of highest wicket-takers for India. However, without a solid batting performance, India remained in a precarious position, looking to rebound as they continued their battle against New Zealand in the series.
