Picture Credit: BCCI
It was a series to remember for the Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj. While he had not been India's go-to white-ball bowler in the recent past, this was an opportunity to not only show the world that he is good enough in this format but also potentially fight for a place in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup with Jasprit Bumrah being ruled out and a replacement yet to be announced.
And Siraj did grab his opportunity with both hands. The Hyderabad-born cricketer scalped a total of 5 wickets in the 3 ODIs, clocking an economy of 4.52. Thus when India won the series 2-1 after beating South Africa by 7 wickets in the final ODI in Delhi, it was Siraj who was adjudged the Player of the Series.
During the post-match presentation when Siraj walked up to presenter Murali Kartik, the former cricketer attempted a Hyderabadi lingo and asked the pacer if he had spoken it correctly. Kartik said: "Miyan, kya bowling karte Hain."
The video of the incident has gone viral.
Take a look:
"Performing against a good team gives you a lot of confidence. I had to take the responsibility. I try to figure out the right lengths at the start of the innings. As a fast bowler you need that fire and passion inside you," Siraj said after getting the award.
Despite his best efforts though, it is being learned that Mohammed Shami has cleared the fitness Tests at the NCA and will officially be named as Bumrah's replacement at the T20 World Cup pretty soon.