You don’t miss Bumrah...: Wasim Jaffer's massive statement on Siraj

Mohammed Siraj finished the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka with most wickets. (PC- Associated Press)

Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer feels India will not miss their ace-speedster Jasprit Bumrah if Mohammed Siraj continues to bowl as he did in the third ODI against Sri Lanka on Sunday, January 15.

Jaffer's remarks came after Siraj starred in India's thumping 317-run victory over Sri Lanka. He ran down the opposition line-up to register his career-best figures (4/32) in ODI cricket.

While speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Jaffer lauded Siraj's spirited efforts with the ball by saying that he makes up for the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.

"In a way, you don’t miss Bumrah when Siraj is bowling like that. When Bumrah is not being missed, you can understand how much value Siraj brings in.”

In Bumrah's absence, Siraj announced himself as the potential leader of the Indian pace attack by ending the three-match ODI series with the most number of wickets. He garnered praise

The 28-year-old seam bowler picked up the wickets of Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Nuwanidu Fernando, and Wanindu Hasaranga as Sri Lanka were bundled out for 73. Siraj pushed hard to pick his fifth wicket but a resilient Kasun Rajitha denied him his maiden ODI fifer.

Enhancing his reputation as a white-ball bowler, Siraj finished the ODI series against Sri Lanka as the leading wicket-taker, claiming nine scalps in three matches at an average of 10.22. In Bumrah's absence, Siraj stood tall and took wickets at crucial junctures throughout the series.

Siraj's dream run of form with the ball in the one-dayers augurs well for the Men in Blue leading into the ODI World Cup later this year.

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