India defeated Sri Lanka by 317 runs in the third and final ODI on January 15 and registered the biggest ODI win in history, and also clean-sweeping visitors 3-0. Earlier in ODIs, the record for the biggest win in terms of runs belonged to New Zealand, who defeated Ireland by 290 runs in 2008.
Former team India cricketer Gautam Gambhir believes that fast bowler Mohammad Siraj, who took the most wickets in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, should have been chosen as the ‘Man of the Series’ along with Virat Kohli. India registered a resounding victory in the final ODI against Sri Lanka on Sunday, with Siraj taking four wickets to complete the 3-0 series win.
“For me, I think he was on par with Virat Kohli. There should have been a joint Man of the Series because he was exceptional and these were beautiful batting wickets. I know we are always tempted towards batters getting big hundreds but I think Mohammed Siraj was absolutely exceptional too in this entire series,” Gambhir said on Star Sports.
“I think the hallmark is, he will get many more five-fors, it’s not about that he didn’t get it today but how good was he, especially with the new ball. In every game, he was able to set the tone,” Gambhir added.
He just took a break for one over: Gautam Gambhir
The 41-year-old further showered high praise on Siraj, labeling him as the “player for the future”. He also said that Siraj getting better with each passing series is a huge positive for Team India.
“I think he is the player for the future. He is someone who India has got to look forward to for a very, very long time, someone who can bowl with the new ball and at the death as well. He is getting better after every series. So a massive, massive positive.
“Look what he did in the 3rd ODI. 10-over spell, he just took a break for one over. How many fast bowlers can do that? The 10th over he was bowling to Rajitha, he was bowling with as much pace as he started his spell with.” He said.
