When Mohammed Siraj was omitted from the Indian trophy team of India, the disappointment was palpable. Not long ago, Siraj, along with Jasprit Bumrah, created one of the most amazing and feared fast duos in an international cricket across all formats.
His form, however, began to dive after a hard series against New Zealand, where he managed only two goals in so many games. Although he retained his place for a tour of Australia, Siraj looked the shadow of his best. Despite raising 20 goals, his rhythm and fire seemed to be dulling. While the heated exchange with Travis’s head created headlines during the series, Siraj could not leave a permanent impact-IS Bumrah acting at the other end.
ENG vs Indian, 1. Test: Preview
Hyderabad Pacer, however, paid off during the iPL-A. Siraj was a revelation. In 15 matches he claimed 16 goals and bowed to 151 dot balls and helped his side to achieve play -off.
Now he is returning to cricket with a red ball with an increased role. Mohammed Shami is not available, and Bumrah has openly stated that the workload management will prevent him from playing all five tests. This means that Siraj, more than likely, will be constant at the Indian pace of attack. The rest of the Bowling units-Bar is experiencing a shadul Thakur-Lacks, with Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna for the first time traveled by England.
Proven results in England
Siraj is not new in English conditions. In six matches in England he picked up 23 goals, of which 14 during the 2021 series, where India led 2-1 before the last match was postponed for Covid-19.
His standout show came to Lord’s, where he wrapped eight goals and helped scripting one of the most memorable Indian test victories. At that time, Siraj prospered himself as an ideal foil to turn Bumrah averting pressure created by his senior partner and rataling England with a bat set with a fire magic. But more than numbers, it is an experience that could prove to be essential this time.
“Nothing like experience”
Over the years, Siraj has become the basis of Indian bowling plans. His accumulated experience will now be tested in the leading role. Former Indian coach of Bowling Bharat ARUN summed it up appropriately:
“Nothing like experience. I’m sure he had to learn a lot from this experience. To bring this experience to the forefront would help him understand these conditions better. Also the way Bowling in IPL, I looked at his rhythm and he got an exceptional rhythm.
ARUN also believes that Siraj was thinking about his shortcomings and worked hard to evolve during his IPL recovery.
“Siraj, as I said, is smart with my experience. All those years of cricket gave him the right kind of exposure. So he’s smart and the way he’s bowling right now.
Moment of performance
With the first headingley test to begin, a new era is strengthened for the Indian cricket. The team will need fresh leaders and new heroes. While the Bumrah remains a stroller, India will need someone who will constantly carry a burden in the series. The man could just be Mohammed Siraj.
Expect a fiery Pacer to stand on the challenge – and maybe become the face of the new Indian bowling boundaries, with Bumhrah or without Bumhrah at the other end.
Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
June 20, 2025
