Image: Mohammad Kaif criticized Mohammed Siraj's behavior during the Adelaide Test / © India Today
After the loss in the 2nd Test against Australia, the Indian team has been under scrutiny, with pacer Mohammed Siraj’s on-field behavior drawing criticism. During the match, Siraj’s heated exchanges with Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne became a focal point. Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif condemned Siraj’s actions, emphasizing the importance of setting the right example for younger audiences.
Kaif criticized Siraj for throwing the ball near the stumps when Labuschagne backed away due to movement near the sight screen. He also found Siraj’s animated send-off to Head unnecessary, especially after the batter scored a dominating 140 off 141 balls. In the statement given, Kaif said:
(Marnus) Labuschagne was batting and there was some movement behind the sightscreen. He backed away but Siraj came and threw the ball near the stumps. That was also not the right way. He misbehaved. The kids watch you as a role model. You wouldn’t want to set the wrong example. You wouldn’t want to tarnish the image of the gentleman’s game. After that, Siraj bowled him. I understand the celebration, but I didn’t like the send-off. If you know he has a weakness, then get him out early. Get him nicking to the slips or dismiss him with a bouncer, then do your celebrations, but the guy has scored 140… there was no need for a send-off like that.
Kaif suggested that Siraj focuses on dismissing key players early rather than reacting emotionally after they make significant contributions. While Indian captain Rohit Sharma defended Siraj’s aggressive approach as a means to build momentum, Kaif highlighted the need to maintain cricket’s status as a gentleman’s game.