Siraj, who has been an important component of India's pace attack, acknowledged the demands of bowling in the hot and humid conditions but said representing the country makes the physical challenge worthwhile.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019ve gotten used to playing in Indian conditions because you play a lot in the sun. But here, being closer to the sea and with the humidity, it\u2019s a bit of a struggle. But for the country, doing all of this is very important,\u201d Siraj told the broadcasters ahead of Day 4\u2019s play.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The fast bowler also spoke about his approach to the responsibility that comes with being one of India's leading pacers. Rather than viewing the role as an additional burden, Siraj said he enjoys the challenge and believes responsibility brings out another dimension in his game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cObviously, sir, because I really like responsibility. Whenever a challenge or responsibility comes my way, I really enjoy it, and it brings out a different side of me. So I enjoy that. I don\u2019t put too much burden on my body; I just enjoy it,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Siraj also shed light on the psychological aspect of fast bowling, particularly when conditions do not offer much assistance. He explained how engaging batters in conversation can be part of his attempt to disturb their concentration and force them out of their comfort zone.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhen a batsman is playing in his comfort zone, it becomes easy for him. When you engage in a bit of conversation, he becomes uncomfortable. When nothing is happening on this wicket, perhaps using this tactic puts something into the batsman\u2019s mind, and then he might play a wrong shot, and you\u2019ll see what happens. I think that\u2019s one of the qualities of a fast bowler that comes from within,\u201d Siraj stated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite his experience, Siraj admitted that he is still searching for his best rhythm after returning from a two-month layoff. Instead of allowing that lack of rhythm to affect his bowling, he has concentrated on keeping things uncomplicated and creating pressure through sustained spells.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cTo be honest, I wouldn\u2019t say I\u2019m at a hundred percent from my side because I\u2019ve come back after a two-month break. I\u2019ve been struggling quite a lot with my rhythm in this situation because I haven\u2019t been able to find that rhythm. So I\u2019m just trying to get my rhythm back,\u201d the pacer said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The pacer said his experience has helped him manage the situation and avoid allowing frustration to translate into loose bowling.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBut whatever I\u2019ve been able to do, I\u2019m using my experience and trying to control myself as much as possible while bowling. Because if I think too much, I\u2019ll leak runs, I\u2019ll come under pressure, and the team will also come under pressure. So my attempt is to keep it simple. If I\u2019m not finding my rhythm, what can I do? I\u2019m just trying to build pressure, build pressure, that\u2019s what I\u2019m trying to do,\u201d Siraj noted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The pacer said his experience has helped him manage the situation and avoid allowing frustration to translate into loose bowling.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Asked whether India would enforce the follow-on, Siraj kept the focus firmly on the task at hand rather than looking too far ahead. \u201cLet\u2019s get them all out as quickly as possible, and then we\u2019ll see what the captain decides.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n