'A blunder decision' - Former Australia legend blasted Rohit Sharma for World Cup 2023 final lost

IPL 2025: Former Australia international Shane Watson feels it was a poor decision from Rohit Sharma that caused Team India to finish the World Cup 2023 as only a runner-up team. Watson was doing his commentary work during the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Gujarat Titans match (SRH vs. GT). GT clinched all three points with a solid bowling performance by Mohammed Siraj. According to Watson, if Sharma had utilized Siraj in the 2023 Final properly, India could have been the champions.

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"If Siraj had been bowled in the power play in the 2023 World Cup final, he could have dismissed Head much earlier. It was such a blunder decision from Rohit," Shane Watson said.

India was against Australia in the World Cup 2023 final. The Rohit Sharma-led side was full of confidence as they were the undefeated unit in the tournament. Travis Head played one of his career's best for Australia to shatter the dreams of crores of Indian cricket fans. With his 137 (120), Australia flawlessly got the runs they desired. When Siraj dismissed Head in 42.5 overs, it was too late for India, as Australia had already put the better hand on the game. In the WC 2023 final, Siraj bowled for only 7 overs, took the wicket of Head, had a 6.43 economy rate, and slightly better figures than Mohammed Shami, who was then at the top of his game. Watson feels if Siraj were allowed to bowl early, the table could have been turned.

Siraj's IPL 2025 performance so far

Two back-to-back man-of-the-match performances from Mohammed Siraj. Yesterday was a sweet homecoming for the Indian pacer, who knocked 4 Sunrisers Hyderabad batsmen out only for 17 runs. Siraj is currently on cloud nine after his inspiring bowling figures in Bengaluru and Hyderabad. In Hyderabad, last night the right-arm bowler took 4 wickets, and in Bengaluru, against RCB, he claimed 3 scalps in his four-over quota.

Despite new wicket conditions and away match pressure, Siraj was able to keep his mind cool and deliver, which has produced 9 wickets in 4 IPL 2025 matches so far. Once a regular part of Team India, he was later dropped from the team due to lack of form. Now the scenario has changed completely; Siraj, through his match-winning knocks, has become a fan favorite and a potential contender to make a Team India comeback.