Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Mohammed Siraj Faces Duleep Trophy Rhythm Test
Mohammed Siraj will play in an important domestic cricket match in Chennai.
It is the final of the Duleep Trophy.
This may be his last red-ball match before India plays Tests in New Zealand in November.
The selectors want to see him bowl with better rhythm and accuracy.
Siraj did not perform as strongly as expected in Sri Lanka.
He bowled at around 125-130 kilometres per hour there.
He took four wickets in two Tests.
The Chennai pitch may bounce and help him, but Siraj will need a strong performance to build confidence.
Mohammed Siraj is set to play in the Duleep Trophy final in Chennai.
The match could be Siraj’s last red-ball fixture before India’s November Tests in New Zealand.
Selectors want Siraj to regain rhythm after an underwhelming series in Sri Lanka.
Siraj bowled at roughly 125-130kmph and took four wickets in two Sri Lankan Tests.
A bouncy Chepauk pitch could assist Siraj as selectors assess his readiness.
- Who
- Mohammed Siraj, with Devdutt Padikkal also adding prominence to the Duleep Trophy final; India’s selectors are monitoring Siraj.
- What
- Siraj faces a form and rhythm test in the Duleep Trophy final before the Test series in New Zealand.
- When
- The final begins on Sunday; India’s New Zealand Tests are scheduled for November.
- Where
- Chennai, at the Chepauk ground.
- Why
- Selectors want Siraj to regain his bowling rhythm after his underwhelming performances in Sri Lanka and prepare for New Zealand.
Case for Siraj
Concerns about Siraj
Readiness for New Zealand
Case for Siraj
Siraj’s form and experience are considered important for India, particularly because Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness is described as uncertain.
Concerns about Siraj
Siraj’s recent performance in Sri Lanka and limited match activity since the IPL have raised concerns about his readiness.
Pitch conditions
Case for Siraj
A likely bouncy pitch at Chepauk could help Siraj find better rhythm and hit the right lengths.
Concerns about Siraj
The selectors will be watching closely, and Siraj needs a strong performance to restore their confidence.
- Competition
- Duleep Trophy final
- Venue
- Chepauk, Chennai
- New Zealand Tests
- Scheduled for November
- Sri Lanka bowling speed
- Approximately 125-130kmph
- Sri Lanka wickets
- Four wickets in two Tests
- Sri Lanka bowling average
- 25.75
- Pitch outlook
- Likely to be bouncy, with red soil potentially helping Siraj