Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir believes that batting icon Virat Kohli was not the only standout performer in the recently concluded ODI series between India and Sri Lanka adn that there should have been a joint Player of the Series award.
Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli propelled Team India to a flawless win over Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka in the third and final One Day International (ODI) of the three-match series on Sunday. Kohli was named the Player of the Series for slamming two centuries in three matches. Though Kohli was adjudged the Player of the Series for his match-winning knocks, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir believes that the former India captain was not the only standout performer in the Sri Lanka ODIs.
Giving pacer Mohammed Siraj a special mention, Gambhir opined that the Indian pacer should have been rewarded for his performances in the recently concluded series. The former India opener feels that Siraj should have shared the Player of the Series award with Kohli. After India whitewashed visitors to Thiruvananthapuram, he shared his views and explained why Siraj was also the frontrunner for the special prize.
“For me, I think he was on par with Virat Kohli. He was exceptional, and these were beautiful batting wickets, so there must have been a regular in the series. I know there’s always a temptation to want more, but I think Mohammed Siraj has been absolutely exceptional in this entire series,” Gambhir told Star Sports.
Running Kohli on his machine led India to a staggering 390/5 aggregate score in his ODI in his third, while the pacer Siraj on his side saw Greenfield hit the Islanders’ meltdown at his International Stadium. caused Siraj conceded four important wickets as Sri Lanka folded just 73 in 22 overs. “I think the peculiarity is that he got more fives. It’s not that he didn’t succeed today. It’s how good he was, especially with the new ball. Every game. And he was able to tone it down.”,Adds Gambir.
Siraj finished the series as the leading wicket taker. At an average of 10.22, the Indian fast in good form his bowler won his nine wickets in three straight games.