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Hated By Many, Loved By Few: Lion-Hearted Siraj Is What Every Budding Pacer Should Aspire To Be

Anurag Dasgupta

How every pacer should aspire to become [Source: AFP Photo] How every pacer should aspire to become [Source: AFP Photo]

"I believe in Jassi Bhai," is what Mohammed Siraj said when India won the T20 World Cup in 2024. Perhaps, he should have more faith in himself because a lot of people "do believe in Siraj bhai" as well. Since making his Test debut in 2020, Siraj has been a workhorse for the Indian team, and to be honest, the pacer doesn't get the due he deserves.

Siraj is someone who makes things happen from nothing, and in every sense, he is the true leader of the Indian bowling attack. His exceptional performance on Day 2 of the Oval Test once again reminded everyone - that Siraj is not just a sidekick, but the main show.

When Siraj finally believed in himself

He struggled before lunch against the England bowlers on a gloomy day, with a green top for him to deliver the goods. In Bumrah's absence, the leader of the pace attack conceded 31 runs in four overs, and was erratic with his lines and lengths. Suddenly, everyone felt Bumrah's absence, but here came the twist.

Post lunch, Siraj channeled his inner demon and finally believed in himself to terrorise the English batters. In his second spell, Siraj came into the attack when England were 144/2 and had just lost Zak Crawley. The Indian pacer started his second spell with the wicket of stand-in captain, Ollie Pope, and bowled an eight-over spell relentlessly, while consistently clocking 140 km/h.

He made the ball talk, made England kneel as his second spell ended with figures of 3 for 35 in 8 overs. This was not just a bowling spell; this was Siraj's lion's lion-heart, which roared for Team India.

Siraj, the pacer who truly deserves some workload management care

Siraj himself admitted that the grueling Australian tour took a toll on him, physically and mentally, but come the England tour, Siraj was charged up and has been a revelation in the absence of Bumrah.

On this tour, Siraj has been pushed beyond his limits, as the pacer has bowled 155.2 overs, the most by any Indian pacer - and yet, he never complained about his workload management. A five-match Test match series takes a toll on every pacer, but Siraj, being Siraj, always has the hunger in his eyes, as he gives his 100%, every time the red cherry is thrown in his hands.

Even before the start of the tour, it was clear that Bumrah would only play in three of the five Test matches. He missed the second Test in Edgbaston and the ongoing Test at the Oval. Bumrah left the team in the middle of a series, and no reason was given.

Siraj, on the other hand, has truly played as someone whose life is on the line. He has been commended for showing up in all five Tests, and has delivered the goods for India. He bowled 157.1 overs in Australia, and Siraj also became the second bowler after Kapil Dev to bowl 150+overs in two Test series within a year.

Youngsters should take a leaf out of Siraj's notebook

Siraj is an excellent role model for the aspiring young pacers who want to play for India. Over the years, Siraj has followed in the footsteps of his idol, Virat Kohli, and has given one hundred percent in every game he has played. 

He doesn't run away from challenges, and is a team man, something which every cricketer should aspire to become. Unlike Bumrah, he is not loved by many and gets criticised by almost everyone for his antics. However, people should understand that these antics fuel Siraj to be at his best.

A youngster who wants to become a fast bowler will learn the tricks and skills as he grows up, but certain things are not taught, and it should come from inside - the fighting spirit, something which Siraj has in abundance.