Mohammed Siraj has grown into India’s most reliable fast bowler whenever Jasprit Bumrah is unavailable. In the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Siraj finished as the highest wicket-taker of the five-match Test series against England, playing a decisive role in India’s two victories during Bumrah’s absence.
The numbers underline his impact. Siraj averages 31.05 across 41 Tests. But when Bumrah plays, his average climbs to 35. Without Bumrah, it drops to 25. His strike rate improves as well—one wicket every 44 balls compared to 57 when Bumrah is part of the XI.
Siraj proved his leadership qualities with six wickets in Edgbaston’s first innings and a match-winning nine-wicket haul at The Oval, including five in the second innings. These spells reinforced India’s ability to compete strongly even without their premier pacer.
Siraj on Shouldering Responsibility
Mohammed Siraj credited responsibility for lifting his game. “When I get an opportunity to shoulder responsibility, even if you look at a mundane series, my performance always grows. Responsibility gives me a different kind of joy, and boosts my confidence,” Siraj told RevSportz.
He added that he was motivated to silence critics doubting India’s chances without Bumrah. “I told you at Edgbaston that people are talking about me, and it’s time to make all that talk stop. I usually am very aware of what I’m doing, and do not pay heed to what people are saying because people do not know my struggle. Despite that, I thought it’s time to stop such talk because it was getting too much.”
“With Jassi Bhai (Jasprit Bumrah) not being there due to his back injury and his workload being managed, I tried my bit to keep the positivity in the bowling unit. Whenever I was talking to my teammates, Akash Deep and all, I was trying to spread the belief that we can do it. We can repeat what we have done already,” he said.
Siraj’s words and performances highlight his transformation into a leader. With Bumrah often managing workload and injuries, Siraj ensures India always has a spearhead capable of delivering match-winning spells.
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