Irfan Pathan makes a big statement on how to replace veteran player in Team India lineup

India won the Asia Cup 2023 championship by defeating Sri Lanka by 10 wickets. Rohit Sharma-led side chased down the target in just 6.1 overs, which makes it their quickest victory in ODIs. Mohammed Siraj returned with the figures of 6/21 after decimating Sri Lanka's batting order. India's eighth Asia Cup victory would unquestionably boost their confidence heading into the ODI World Cup, which begins in less than two weeks. 

3 things you need to know 

• India lifted their 8th Asia Cup title 
• ICC ODI World Cup will commence on October 5, 2023 
• Team India looks to take advantage of the World Cup at home

Also Read: Not Rohit Sharma, But An Unfamiliar Member Lifted Asia Cup 2023 Trophy; Know All About Him

IND vs SL: Siraj was named the Player of the Match in the Asia Cup Final

The Indian cricket team won the Asia Cup 2023 final against Sri Lanka by a resounding 10-wicket margin in Colombo. Jasprit Bumrah set the tone early on by creating the first breakthrough for India in just three deliveries. Mohammed Siraj then helped India take over Sri Lanka by the end of the fourth over.

Siraj began his bowling with a maiden over before taking four wickets in his second over. Sri Lanka lost half of their side with just 12 runs on the board after four overs. Siraj's outstanding stint continued, as he took another wicket and finished with 6/21 in 7 overs.

Thanks to Siraj's impressive performance, India were able to restrict Sri Lanka to a meagre total of 50 runs in just 15.2 overs, leaving them with only the bare necessities to finish. The opening pair of Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill swiftly finished the chase in 6.1 overs.

Also Read: Former India cricketer compares Siraj to legendary England bowler after Asia Cup heroics

Irfan Pathan makes a bold statement on Mohammed Siraj 

It is worth mentioning that Siraj was picked over the more experienced Mohammed Shami for this crucial match, and he more than justified his selection with his outstanding performance. While the gap between the two bowlers is minor, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan made a fascinating case for why a bowler of Shami's calibre was not selected. Talking to the Star Sports, he said: 

You might see the degree of swing but the late swing and control you saw in Mohammed Siraj's bowling, that is why a bowler like Mohammed Shami is sitting outside. You won't find an international team where a wicket-taker who bowls with an upright seam like Mohammed Shami doesn't get a place in the playing XI.

So who is playing in place of him (Shami) - a bowler (Siraj) who swings the ball both ways and bowls around 140 kph. So you need to do something special. He is doing special things but what he did today was extremely special,

Team India will now focus on the bigger prize, as they are set to host the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, which starts in less than 20 days. India will play practice matches against Australia and Netherlands before playing their first official match on October 8, 2023.