Pacer Mohammed Siraj made a remarkable return to India’s ODI playing XI by clean bowling West Indies opener John Campbell during the third ODI at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium in New Chandigarh on October 3, 2026. The Indian camp responded immediately to the delivery, which sent Campbell’s stumps flying and nipped back abruptly off the pitch before striking the off-stump.
Campbell was initially a threat; however, he was dismissed for 10 runs on the strength of only seven deliveries. The wicket illustrated Mohammed Siraj ability to generate danger and extract movement in conditions that are frequently favourable to batsmen in 50-over cricket.
Mohammed Siraj was rested for the first two ODIs of the three-match series against the West Indies prior to his call-up for the series finale. India had already secured the series with an unassailable 2-0 advantage going into the third game, rendering the match a dead rubber, despite Siraj’s inclusion providing intrigue to the match for supporters eager to see the pacer back in action.
What was the methodology used to organise the third ODI by India?
The Men in Blue, under the leadership of captain Shubman Gill, achieved an impressive score of 351 for 7 in their 50 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat first. Siraj and the Indian speed attack were able to play with conviction in the second innings due to the fact that their bowlers had a substantial target to defend, as a result of the score.
The series finale, which was intended to be a dead rubber, was a critical match for Siraj, as the ODI World Cup 2027 is only a year away. The venue hosted the series finale, despite the fact that the host team had already determined the series’ conclusion after winning the first two games.
What did Mohammed Siraj remember from this game?
Mohammed Siraj’s return to the starting lineup for the third ODI was noteworthy, as he had been purposefully excused for the first two games of the series. The team management utilised the dead rubber to manage workloads and provide opportunities to peripheral players. His participation, in conjunction with that of rookie Anshul Kamboj, changed the appearance of the Indian bowling unit for the final game.
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The removal of Campbell for a mere 10 out of 7 deliveries served as a reminder of Mohammed Siraj’s contribution to India’s ODI assault. The ball that terminated Campbell’s inning necessitated both speed and precision, as it retreated into the right-hander and struck the off-stump. It was the type of situation that provided India with an early advantage in the pursuit of the West Indies and substantiated his selection.
Riya Malhotra writes detailed cricket analysis covering player performances, match statistics, pitch conditions, and team strategies. Her goal is to make complex cricket topics simple and engaging for readers.
