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From ‘Believe In Jassi Bhai’ To ‘Trust In Siraj Bhai’

Sports
By Correspondent


When India walked onto English shores in 2025 for the much-anticipated Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, there were whispers and expectations. Jasprit Bumrah was the marquee name, the leader of the attack. But when the dust settled and the series ended in a fierce 2-2 draw, one name had lit up the scorecards and hearts alike – Mohammed Siraj.

This wasn’t a surprise. It was a culmination.

Siraj has never been your conventional hero. From the bustling lanes of Hyderabad to owning the turf at Lord’s, the Gabba, and now The Oval, his story has been stitched together with grit, discipline, and a relentless passion for the red ball.

The Evolution of a Match Winner

Siraj’s journey from being an injury replacement in Australia in 2020-21 to becoming the spearhead in hostile conditions has been nothing short of inspirational. Initially known for his hustle and heart, Siraj has slowly added craft, control, and the ability to bend games with long spells of intelligent seam bowling.

His breakthrough came during the Gabba Test in 2021, where his 5/73 helped India breach Australia’s fortress in a historic series win. Later that year, he announced himself in England with 4/94 & 4/32 at Lord’s – swinging the match India’s way with aggressive spells that rattled the English middle order.

Fast forward to 2024 in Cape Town, where he ripped through South Africa with a searing spell of 6/15 on a spicy track, helping India level the series – a performance that underlined how far he had come as a bowler outside Asia.

But it was in 2025, back in England, where Siraj arguably reached his Test-match zenith.

Siraj in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025

With conditions tailor-made for fast bowlers, and England fielding a strong batting lineup led by Zak Crawley, Joe Root, and Ollie Pope, the series was expected to test every visiting quick. While Bumrah did what Bumrah does, it was Siraj who stood tall – taking 23 wickets in the five-match series, equaling Bumrah’s Indian record on English soil (set in 2021).

Here’s how Siraj turned the series:

Birmingham Test: With India down 1-0, Siraj produced a sensational 6/70 in the first innings to crush England’s top order. His extra bounce and zip made life miserable, while his 1/57 in the second innings ensured India leveled the series.

The Oval Test: With the series hanging in the balance, Siraj delivered again – 4/86 & 5/104 – becoming only the second Indian pacer after Kapil Dev to take a 9-wicket haul at The Oval. His reverse swing spell on Day 4 cracked the game wide open.

These were not just numbers. These were pressure moments where Siraj brought intensity, consistency, and wicket-taking intent.

The Legacy Being Built

With 46 wickets on English soil, Siraj is now just five short of matching legends like Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah. But beyond stats, what sets him apart is how he influences matches.

Siraj has become a captain’s go-to bowler not just to dry up runs, but to break stubborn partnerships, to lift the energy on the field, and to create moments of magic when nothing seems to happen.

In an era where fast bowlers are judged by both their pace and their persistence, Siraj has evolved into an artist of rhythm – adapting to situations, reading batters, and crafting dismissals with patience and guile.

The Heart of India’s Pace Battery

From being seen as a support act to becoming India’s enforcer overseas, Siraj has earned his stripes. His transformation into a match-winner is not just about skill, but about temperament, work ethic, and raw passion for representing the tricolour.

As the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 fades into memory, it will be remembered for its balance, brilliance, and thrilling cricket. But for Indian fans, it will be remembered most for the rise of Mohammed Siraj – the boy from Hyderabad who roared like a lion in England.

He came, he bowled, and he conquered.




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