On Sunday, former Indian captain Virat Kohli led Team India to a convincing win over Dasun Shanaka’s Sri Lanka in the third and final One Day International (ODI) of the three-match series. Kohli was crowned Player of the Series after smashing two centuries in three games. Though Kohli was named Player of the Series for his match-winning performances, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir believes Virat Kohli was not the only exceptional performer in the Sri Lanka ODIs.
Gambhir singled out pacer Mohammed Siraj, saying that the Indian pacer should have been rewarded for his efforts in the recently concluded series. The former India opener believes Siraj and Kohli should have shared the Player of the Series award. Gambhir explained why Siraj was also the leading candidate for the special award after India completed the whitewash of the visitors in Thiruvananthapuram.
“He was on par with Virat Kohli in my opinion. Because he was exceptional and these were beautiful batting wickets, he should have shared Man of the Series honors. I know we’re always tempted by batters who score big hundreds, but Mohammed Siraj was absolutely outstanding throughout the series.” Gambhir told Star Sports.
While Kohli led India to a massive total (390/5) in the third ODI, pacer Siraj triggered the Islanders’ batting collapse at Greenfield International Stadium. Siraj took four crucial wickets as Sri Lanka collapsed for 73 in 22 overs. “I believe he will get many more five-fors; it’s not so much that he didn’t get it today as it is how good he was, especially with the new ball. He was able to set the tone in every game “Gambhir continued.
Siraj finished the series with the most wickets. In the three-match series, the in-form Indian fast bowler picked up 9 wickets at an average of 10.22.
