Mohammed Siraj In, Arshdeep Singh Out: Ajay Jadeja Demands Before IND vs NZ 3rd ODI

Soumyajit Dutta

Ajay Jadeja backed Siraj's inclusion for Arshdeep [Source: AFP]

India will be facing New Zealand in the third ODI match of the five-match series at Seddon Park on November 10 after taking a 2-0 lead.

Now, with the series lead, India have a comfortable option of experimenting, and former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja has suggested that the team management should consider bringing in Mohammed Siraj in the playing eleven.

Mohammed Siraj was absent from the first two ODIs, given his prior commitment to the India A side for the New Zealand tour. However, his inclusion in the third ODI is likely, with Arshdeep Singh suggested to be given rest by Ajay Jadeja.

Ajay Jadeja wants Mohammed Siraj to replace Arshdeep Singh

Jadeja noted the fact that Arshdeep Singh had taken four wickets in the first ODI but had not performed well in the following one.

He also interestingly noted that Arshdeep has been in continuous action with his T20I and ODI duties, and now it is time for Siraj to take up the responsibility after his India A stint.

"In the T20Is, after winning 3-0, you finished 3-2. So there won't be too many changes until it becomes 3-0. One change might happen. Arshdeep has bowled extremely well. He has been playing T20Is as well, and we haven't seen Siraj thus far. It's not because of performance, but to see how this attack functions without a left-arm seamer," Jadeja said on the Sony Sports Network.

Watch - Rohit Sharma Bursts Into Laughter After Wild Throw Nearly Hits Mohammed Siraj

Jadeja wants rest for Arshdeep Singh

Ajay Jadeja further suggested that there should be some change in the playing XI, which can further make it much more feasible for the fast bowlers to play the rest of the games in the series without scrambling the batting order.

"India are using all these matches to prepare the team for the World Cup. A right-hander would come in place of a left-hander. There is no chance of a change in batting. You won't add a spinner because it is a small ground.

So, if this is a change for India, it's not tactical, but to give someone a little rest. He (Arshdeep) has been playing consistently, and this is to get him (Mohammed Siraj) back into the game," he added.

Mohammed Siraj to eye comeback in IND vs NZ 3rd ODI Playing XI

Siraj's performance has not been up to the mark in the 2026 ODIs. This year, he has featured in only four of them while scalping only four wickets, with an average of 44.00.

In contrast, Arshdeep Singh's performances have been outstanding, given the fact that he has played far fewer ODIs than Siraj. This year, Arshdeep Singh has played six matches for India while bagging 12 wickets at a solid average of 24.41 and striking at 25.5.

Nevertheless, Siraj's potential inclusion in the playing XI would likely give the bowler a chance to sharpen his skills after last featuring in the format in October against the West Indies.