Mohammed Siraj Attributes Sri Lanka Pace Drop to Rhythm Disruption After Long Break

Mohammed Siraj has opened up about his performance challenges during India’s recent tour of Sri Lanka, explaining how an extended two-month break from competitive cricket disrupted his bowling rhythm, pace, and overall effectiveness.

Siraj, renowned for his aggressive run-up and ability to consistently bowl in the mid-140 km/h range, appeared short of his usual intensity during the two-match Test series in Sri Lanka. The India pacer frequently operated in the late 120s and struggled to make a significant impact on the match.

Siraj reveals why his pace dropped in Sri Lanka

According to the fast bowler, the primary issue was not a lack of physical fitness, but rather the severe disruption to his bowling rhythm.

Siraj had taken an extended two-month break following India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan, which concluded on June 8. He returned to competitive action during the Sri Lanka tour, starting with the match against the SLC XI on August 7.

Siraj admitted that transitioning directly from such a prolonged break into match mode made it incredibly difficult to find his natural bowling rhythm.

“Coming off a two-month break straight into a match, my rhythm wasn’t quite there. I’m purely a rhythm bowler. If I’m not in sync, I simply can’t explode through the crease,” Siraj told select media following the Duleep Trophy final.

He explained that even minor alterations in his run-up significantly impacted his pace and delivery.

“That was the struggle in Sri Lanka; my run-up felt disjointed. Some strides were too short, others were too long, and that broke my flow and cost me pace.”

During the two-Test series, Siraj bowled 44 overs across four innings. While the spin-friendly conditions in Sri Lanka limited his opportunities, he also struggled to generate the pace and movement typically associated with his bowling. The lack of rhythm became increasingly apparent as the series progressed.

Duleep Trophy helped Siraj find his rhythm

Representing South Zone against East Zone in the Duleep Trophy final at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, Siraj bowled 41 overs. Although he was expensive in the first innings, conceding 140 runs from 25 overs, he secured a wicket in the second innings. For Siraj, however, the primary objective was never simply to increase his wicket tally; his main focus was acclimating his body to bowling long spells again.

“Heading into this game, finding that flow was my primary goal. Playing this match helped me tremendously. After two months off, your body doesn’t react the same way—everything feels a beat slower. Getting through this game got my body moving again and brought my rhythm right back,” he said.

‘My body doesn’t handle long breaks well’: Siraj

Siraj openly admitted that his body is better suited to regular, sustained workloads rather than extended periods away from the cricket field. The 32-year-old explained that while the break allowed him to focus on other areas, including his overall fitness, the complete lack of bowling ultimately hampered his performance.

“That’s just how my body works. My body doesn’t handle long breaks well. A short breather is fine, but in my 10-year career, I had never taken two full months off. So, the more overs I bowl, the better I get.”

He emphasized that bowling extended spells was crucial to re-establishing his action and getting back in sync.

“If I don’t bowl extended spells, my rhythm won’t return. The break left my body feeling sluggish at the crease. I bowled spells of 10 and 11 overs, and that’s exactly what locked me back into rhythm.”

Siraj confident ahead of another international season

Despite his expensive outing in the Duleep Trophy final, Siraj is not overly concerned about his wicket count. For him, the physical workload and the return of his bowling rhythm were far more important than the numbers on the scoreboard.

“Even if I didn’t get the wickets to show for it today, that hard work will pay off at the international level.”

Siraj also addressed the perception that his run-up had become shorter. He clarified that it was more about his body readjusting its stride lengths after the lengthy break.

“My approach to the bowling crease relies on fluid, uninterrupted acceleration rather than staccato steps. Coming back after a two-month layoff, my body was just recalibrating its stride lengths. In this match, it all felt completely natural again.”

The India pacer shared that he eventually stopped worrying about the outcome and concentrated solely on his natural approach to the crease.

“I told myself to forget the outcome and just run in with a good, natural rhythm. The moment I did that, the old Siraj was back in action, and the ball started coming out beautifully.”

With a demanding international season ahead, Siraj will hope the long spells in domestic cricket have successfully restored the pace, rhythm, and aggression that have made him an integral part of India’s bowling attack.

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