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Mohammed Siraj in Tests (Source:@mdsirajofficial,x.com)
In Indian cricket, where talent shines in every corner and competition is always high, pacer Mohammed Siraj has carved a space for himself the hard way. Not with hype or headlines, but with heart, patience and relentless hard work. And if India is looking for a fast-bowling leader beyond Jasprit Bumrah, they need to look no further. It’s time to trust Mohammed Siraj more before it's too late.
A Fiery Spell, A Bigger Statement
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Mohammed Siraj (Source: AP)
On Day 3 of the second Test against England, Siraj turned the game on its head. After England’s middle-order had launched a massive fightback through a 300-run partnership between Harry Brook and Jamie Smith, Siraj roared back with a fiery spell and picked up four crucial wickets. He dismantled England’s middle and lower order, bringing India back into the contest and putting the hosts in control.
But just as Siraj was about to reflect on his match-winning performance during a post-day interview, Arshdeep Singh stopped him and stated that "Bhai, dialogue change- I only believe in myself and Jassi bhai. Aaj se dialogue change hai!”
It was a cheeky twist on Siraj’s now-iconic line from the T20 World Cup 2024: “I only believe in Jassi bhai.” But beyond the playful banter, Siraj’s actions had already done the talking. That spell was strong and powerful reminder of what Siraj brings to India's bowling attack.
Carrying The Load, Alone Too Often
Since 2023, Siraj has bowled more overs in Test cricket than any other pacer- 533.1. That’s even more than Jasprit Bumrah (437.2). With Mohammed Shami often injured and others being rotated, Siraj has shouldered the load of India’s pace attack, frequently acting as the second-choice pacer.
But that heavy workload comes with a cost. His performances over the last year have seen ups and downs. Some spells have been electric, others have lacked rhythm, mostly due to fatigue and the burden of being overused.
What’s also clear is that Siraj is at his best when supported mentally and tactically. Some players are loners, while others require guidance. Siraj belongs to the second group. It’s not a weakness. It is who he is.
Recognising this, India under the new captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir, must do more to support him in the field and not just when he’s in form.
Mohammed Siraj Is More Than A Backup Bowler
Too often, it would not be wrong to say that Siraj is treated like a backup behind Jasprit Bumrah in Tests. But his performances has proved that he is more than a support act. He can swing the new ball, reverse the old, and extract bounce from the flat tracks.
More importantly, he brings fire, emotion, energy, and intensity. You see it in his celebrations. You hear it in his roars. Siraj lifts those around him, and that kind of presence cannot be measured in stats alone.
Why It's Time To Trust Him More?
Mohammed Siraj is now 31, entering the peak years for a fast bowler. He has experience, skill, and the hunger to do more. However, to unlock his full potential, India must show consistent faith in him and not just pick him when others are unavailable.
If India wants to look beyond Jasprit Bumrah, they need to look at and develop Siraj as a upcoming leader of the pace attack. He needs to be respected and trusted more by the fans, rather than just being continually criticised.
India should prepare Siraj as a mentor who can guide the next generation and also deliver match-winning performances for himself. With the World Test Championship cycle in full swing, India needs fast-bowling leaders beyond Bumrah. And, in my opinion, Mohammed Siraj fits that bill.
He started with nothing. Now he gives his everything. Trust him more. He’s earned it.
