South African pace-bowling legend Dale Steyn has named India’s Mohammed Siraj as one of the pacers to keep an eye on in the upcoming World Cup 2023, which is set to begin on October 5. Along with Siraj, Steyn’s list also includes Kagiso Rabada, Shaheen Afridi, Mark Wood, and Trent Boult as the other pacers to watch out for in the marquee event.

Mohammed Siraj has emerged as one of India’s most reliable bowlers in recent times, displaying impressive form across all three formats of the game since 2022. As the country gears up for the ODI World Cup, the talented pacer will undoubtedly aim to continue his exceptional performance on the marquee event in the home soil.

Speaking on Star Sports, Dale Steyn has picked his choice of five fast bowlers, who have got the potential to perform well in the ODI World Cup. The Former South African pacer believes that Mohammed Siraj could be a key player for the Men in Blue in the marquee event, with Kagiso Rabada, Shaheen Afridi, Mark Wood, and Trent Boult being the other four on the list.

“So my five fast bowlers to watch out in this tournament are Mohammad Siraj from India. Swings the ball up front, and knocks over big batters. Key player for India,” Dale Steyn said.

The right-arm pacer has impressed everyone with his ability to perform well in any conditions and could be crucial to the team’s success in the ODI World Cup, alongside Jasprit Bumrah.

Trent Boult is known for lethal new-ball bowling as he rattles high-quality batters with sheer swing and seam bowling. The 34-year-old was an important member of New Zealand’s squad in the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cup as he bowled brilliantly well for the Blackcaps in the powerplay, which set the tone for the Kiwis.

Mark Wood is a big part of the England contingent coming into the World Cup as they would look to utilize his pace effectively against the high quality. The pacer was a member of the England World Cup roster in 2019 and 2022 and would look to make a difference for India in the forthcoming mega event.

Shaheen Shah Afridi and Kagiso Rabada are both renowned for their tearaway fast bowling during both the power-play and death overs for their respective teams. It will be crucial for these players to perform well in the upcoming World Cup if their teams aim to make it into the semi-finals of the mega event in India.