NEW DELHI: India pacer Mohammed Siraj on Saturday threw his weight behind senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, backing the left-arm spinner to find his rhythm swiftly. Siraj insisted that it would only take one breakthrough for Jadeja to return to his best in the series-deciding third ODI against New Zealand, on Sunday.

Jadeja has gone wicketless in the first two ODIs against New Zealand (0/44 and 0/56) in the ongoing series and managed just one wicket in the preceding three-match ODI series against South Africa at home.

"I don't think there is any concern about Jadeja’s form. It is a matter of just one wicket. Once you get that breakthrough, you will see a different bowler altogether," Siraj said at the pre-match press conference.

Despite the recent lean patch, Jadeja’s overall ODI numbers still underline his value, with close to 2,900 runs at a little over 32 and 232 wickets from 209 matches.

Missed chances and learning moments

Siraj stressed that the bowling group remains confident despite being put under pressure in the second ODI, where missed opportunities allowed New Zealand to level the three-match series.

"We played very well in both matches. In the first ODI, our bowling and batting were very good. In the second match, even after losing early wickets, KL Rahul batted well and Nitish Reddy also contributed,” he said.

Looking back at Daryl Mitchell’s match-winning knock, Siraj felt India had their moments to turn the game around.

"There was an opportunity. When the catch dropped, if we had taken that chance, the result could have been different. World-class batters don’t give you many opportunities, and when they get one, they make you pay,” he said.

Asked about Mitchell’s consistent success against India, Siraj explained that while plans were in place, execution at key moments let the team down.

"We tried our best to get him out and had plans, especially for the middle overs. But again, it comes down to taking that one opportunity. If we had taken that wicket, the scenario would have been different," he added.

Team environment and bowling plans

Siraj underlined that the mood in the camp remains upbeat despite the series heading into a decider.

"The team environment is very good. There is strong input from the seniors. Wins and losses happen, but the atmosphere in the dressing room is very healthy, especially as we prepare for bigger tournaments,” he said.

On the possibility of Arshdeep Singh sharing the new ball at the compact Indore ground, Siraj backed the left-armer while reiterating that the final call rests with the team management.

“Arshdeep has bowled very well and took wickets with the new ball. The captain and coach decide the roles, but as a bowler, if someone is taking wickets at the other end, my job is to build pressure and not give runs. I have full confidence in him," Siraj said.

"Harshit (Rana) has also done well, taken wicket upfront. It's good for him that he is getting an opportunity ahead of the World Cup."

Speaking about his omission from the T20 World Cup squad, Siraj admitted he would have liked to be part of the tournament, but suggested workload management may have influenced the decision.

With Holkar Stadium known for producing high-scoring encounters, Siraj said he plans to keep things simple with the ball.

"It is a small ground and usually a high-scoring venue. As a bowler, if you bowl stump-to-stump, you always have options like LBW or bowled. Even if you miss, there is still a wicket chance," he said.

India and New Zealand are locked at 1-1 in the three-match ODI series, with Sunday’s clash set to decide the winner.

(With PTI Inputs)