Ahead of the two-match Test series against South Africa, Team India`s star pacer Mohammed Siraj is confident of putting on a big show against the defending World Test Championship (WTC) winners.
While speaking on JioStar, the pacer said that the side is confident, considering its recent form and has created a positive environment in the dressing room.
“This series is crucial for the new WTC cycle, especially since South Africa is the defending champion. While they drew 1-1 with Pakistan, we`re confident from our own good form, we created a positive environment, performed well in England, and won against the West Indies,” he said.
Currently, Team India is placed in the third spot on the WTC points table. The side also managed to draw the away series in England before emerging victorious against the West Indies at home earlier in the cycle.
On the other hand, the Proteas began their title defence by securing a 1-1 draw in an away Test series against Pakistan.
During the five-match Test series against the “Three Lions” in England, Siraj was the leading wicket-taker with 23 wickets. The Hyderabad-born cricketer also continued his fine form against the West Indies and bagged 10 wickets in two matches.
Siraj said that he is in a good rhythm and facing top teams helps him identify the areas for improvement.
“Personally, I`m bowling with good rhythm and looking to make the most of it. Facing strong teams helps identify areas to improve, and I`m really excited for this challenge,” said the 31-year-old pacer.
The first Test match between India and South Africa has been scheduled to be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata from November 14. The second game will be played from November 22 at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati.
IND vs SA: Full Squads
India’s Test squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK) (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep.
South Africa squad for India tour: Temba Bavuma (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne.
(With PTI Inputs)