• Home
  • Who Said What
  • A Kind Of Joy Mohammed Siraj Breaks Silence On Bumrah Less England Tests

"A Kind Of Joy...": Mohammed Siraj Breaks Silence On Bumrah-Less England Tests

Soumyajit Dutta

Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

Mohammad Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah have become two of the most prominent names in Indian Test cricket. After the recent England tour, Siraj further cemented his place with a gritty effort, bowling 185 overs, while Bumrah featured in only three matches.

Earlier, Siraj had made a remark that he performs better when Bumrah is not in the playing XI. Speaking exclusively to RevSportz, the pacer clarified his stance and explained what he meant. Interestingly, the numbers suggest there is truth to his observation.

Mohammed Siraj Opens Up On His Leadership

Siraj’s overall Test bowling average stands at 31.05. But when he plays alongside Jasprit Bumrah, the average rises to 35. Without Bumrah, his average drops sharply to 25. A similar trend is seen in his strike rate, close to 44 when Bumrah is absent, but climbing to around 57 when the ace pacer is present. Reflecting on his role when Bumrah is unavailable, Siraj said he enjoys taking charge of the attack.

“When I get an opportunity to shoulder responsibility, even if you look at a mundane series, my performance always grows. Responsibility gives me a different kind of joy, and boosts my confidence,” Siraj said while talking to RevSportz.

Siraj also admitted he is motivated to silence critics who doubted his ability to perform in Bumrah’s absence, particularly during the England tour.

"I told you at Edgbaston that people are talking about me, and it’s time to make all that talk stop. I usually am very aware of what I’m doing, and do not pay heed to what people are saying because people do not know my struggle. With Jassi Bhai (Jasprit Bumrah) not being there due to his back injury and his workload being managed, I tried my bit to keep the positivity in the bowling unit," Siraj added.

Mohammed Siraj is currently not in India's plans as the Men in Blue move to the UAE for the Asia Cup starting from September 9. Siraj will get a rest after the toiling England tour, as Gambhir & Co. might call him up again next in the Australia ODI tour.