Mohammed Siraj enters the limelight at exactly the right moment. With Jasprit Bumrah rested, the Hyderabad pacer has a golden chance to spearhead India’s pace attack in the high-stakes ODI series against Australia. Known for his amazing swing, knack for hitting at crunch time and aggression that shakes the opposition, Siraj has already made his mark in 44 ODIs, picking up 71 wickets at an impressive average of 24.04.
His an unforgettable spell in the 2023 Asia Cup final he didn’t just win the match against Sri Lanka – he declared it as the match winner and briefly moved him to the No. 1 ODI bowler spot. Still, since his debut in 2019, Siraj’s journey has been one of highs and lows. He has played just three ODIs since the 2023 World Cup and has not appeared in the format since August 2024, missing out on a place in the Champions Trophy.
So this is Siraj’s moment. Against a formidable Australian line-up, his accuracy and firepower could set the tone early and decide the final result. More than a temporary gap, this is his chance to reclaim his place and stake his claim to the World Cup. Can he rise up and lead India to glory down under?
IT’S TIME FOR SIRAJ TO STEP UP AGAIN
Siraj is no stranger to Australian conditions. In the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while all eyes were on Jasprit Bumrah, it was Siraj who proved to be India’s tireless toiler. He bowled a staggering 157.1 overs – the most by an Indian in the series and second overall, behind only Pat Cummins’ 167. It was endurance, precision and pure grit all in one.
Day in and day out, Siraj has shown that he can carry the burden of leading India’s pace attack. His keen instincts, relentless aggression and ability to seize crucial moments make him a bowler that no side can take lightly. As India prepare for the ODI series against Australia, Siraj’s experience and fiery intensity will be key to setting the tone and keeping the opposition on the back foot.
With the series looming, the stage is set: Siraj has a chance to lead the Indian charge and remind the world why he belongs at the forefront of their attack.
ARSHDEEP aims to SEAL the ODI BERTH
While Mohammed Siraj is expected to spearhead the Indian attack in Australia, all eyes will also be on the supporting pace trio of Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna. Arshdeep recently made history in T20Is, becoming the fastest pacer to reach 100 wickets in the format, yet has struggled to cement his place in the ODI side.
Harshit Rana, meanwhile, has faced his share of criticism – especially from former World Cup winner Kris Srikkanth – but has found support from Gautam Gambhir. The youngster has yet to find consistency, but this series presents a unique opportunity to hit the deck hard and make an impact. Prasidh Krishna, who impressed with his spells in the England Test series, will be keen to translate that form into the ODI arena.
India’s pace attack is hardly short on firepower, even without Bumrah. With Siraj leading the attack, the squad combines experience with aggression – ready to push through and challenge the world champions on their own turf.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
October 17, 2025
