Mohammed Siraj received glowing praise from Ravichandran Ashwin following his series-defining performance in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. Siraj took nine wickets in the final Test at The Oval, helping India edge past England by six runs and level the five-match series 2-2.
The Hyderabad-born speedster ended the series with 23 wickets, leading all bowlers. With Bumrah unavailable, Siraj shouldered the bowling attack with energy and confidence.“We failed to recognise Mohammed Siraj. The time has come to recognise him now. He once again put his hand up; he has given a compelling reason. Just look at his celebration, it seems as if he is saying, ‘This is not the trailer. This is the main picture itself’. He is saying, ‘Please consider me as a match winner’. ’ He is reminding us what a champion bowler he is. His bowling action, his technique and good work ethic are allowing him to play all five Tests in a series,” Ashwin said in a YouTube episode.
Ashwin, who retired in late 2024, advised team leadership to give Siraj proper rest and support to extend his Test career.“He is also growing old. It is important for the team management to rest him as well from inconsequential matches. He could be your No.1 Test bowler; he could be your go-to Test bowler. We have to rebuild the bowling attack. Akash Deep is there, Prasidh Krishna is there, Arshdeep Singh is there. Around Mohammed Siraj and his experience, we have to build it,” added Ashwin.
Siraj’s Stamina and Resolve Shine Through
Siraj sent down 187 overs across the five Tests—the most by any bowler in the series. Despite setbacks, including a dropped catch of Harry Brook and a heartbreaking loss at Lord’s, he kept delivering.
His moment came on Day 5 of the final Test, when he claimed three crucial wickets to seal India’s win.“Let’s celebrate Siraj. He is the leading wicket-taker in the series. Dinesh Karthik interviewed him on Day 4, and then he interviewed him after the match had ended. He was his translator as well. But in the interview he had with Siraj, he was just asking questions in English. He knows all about him. In the T20 World Cup, Siraj said ‘We believe in Jassi Bhai’. But today, not Jassi Bhai, Miyan Bhai was the real instrument to level this series. Without Jasprit Bumrah, we have drawn this series. Siraj has led the attack,” Ashwin remarked.
India’s Pace Future Could Be Built Around Siraj
Ashwin described Siraj as an irreplaceable asset and a player India must protect and build around.“Cricketing gods have been fair to Siraj. Despite getting it wrong at times, he never stops running in. It is very easy for someone playing all the Tests to say, ‘I am tired. I am having pain’. He is always there on the field; he never goes outside. Cricketing gods recognise these things. Very well deserved. It is very hard to find players like Siraj. Players like Siraj don’t come easily, especially from India. He is the first of his kind. Mohammed Siraj, for his pure attitude, is a once-in-a-generation cricketer,” Ashwin concluded.
Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, and Live Cricket Action—only on Today Cricket Matches!
