Mohammed Siraj, who was retained by the Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs 7 crore ahead of IPL 2022, had a ‘downer of a season’. The pacer picked nine wickets in 15 games at 57.11 and economy rate of 10.07. He was hit for 31 sixes in his 51 over during the season – a record for a bowler in IPL. 

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Faf du Plessis and co finished fourth in the league stage with eight wins and six losses. They managed to defeat the Lucknow Super Giants in the eliminator but fell against the Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2. 

Speaking at the trailer launch of web-series ‘Bandon Mein Tha Dum’ to be streamed on ‘Voot Select’, based on India’s 2020-21 Test series triumph in Australia, Siraj said that he wants to focus on the upcoming Test vs England. 

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India will play England in one Test at the Edgbaston Stadium, starting July 1. 

“This season the IPL was a bit down. The last two seasons my graph was up and this time it has come down. But then I see what I have done in the past two years and take that along. This year was a bad phase for me but will make a strong comeback by working hard. I will work on my ability, believe in my strengths,” Siraj told PTI. 

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The 28-year-old has been instrumental in India’s Test wins in the past year. He made his debut, in the longest format, in December 2020 when Ajinkya Rahane and co took on Australia in the Border Gavaskar trophy. The pacer managed to take five wickets in the game. He then picked a fifer in the Gabba Test, helping the team script a dramatic 2-1 series win. 

Siraj, now wants to do do well in the fifth Test against England

“My preparations are going well for the Test. There in England, the Dukes ball is used, it is always good to bowl there in the English conditions and it is helpful for the bowlers,” the Hyderabad-based speedster added.

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The fifth Test of the series that started in India had to be rescheduled due to COVID outbreak in the home camp. 

“This Test is very important for us and we are leading 2-1. It is good that the Test has been rescheduled and we are confident (of doing well) as we have the lead, it is a good feeling,” Siraj added.