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"Bumrah Is Tendulkar, Siraj Is...": Sanjay Bangar Draws Epic Similarity For Pace Duo

Soumyajit Dutta

Sanjay Bangar draws epic comparison [Source: @sufikomal/X.com]Sanjay Bangar draws epic comparison [Source: @sufikomal/X.com]

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has drawn a fascinating parallel between India's current pace attack and their legendary batting pair, comparing Jasprit Bumrah to Sachin Tendulkar and Mohammed Siraj to Rahul Dravid. 

The analogy came after Siraj's lion-hearted 4/86 at The Oval, where he partnered with Prasidh Krishna to bowl England out for 247 on Day 2. Bangar emphasized that Siraj's contributions often get overshadowed by Bumrah's brilliance, much like Dravid's did alongside Tendulkar.

Bangar Names India Greats To Compare Pace Duo

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Bangar explained his iconic comparison while sharing some empathy for Siraj's tireless 155.2 overs this series, which have reinforced his status as India's workhorse.

"It's like when Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid were playing, Sachin used to get all the limelight and Rahul Dravid used to quietly do his job as well. I would say it is a similar sort of situation when Siraj and Bumrah are playing together," Bangar said on an exclusive show with ESPNcricinfo.

Bangar also commented on Mohammed Siraj's tireless workload as he outworked himself in this series in Bumrah's absence from two Tests.

"He puts in a lion-hearted effort all the time. The kind of effort that he puts in shows the kind of preparation that also goes through in his fitness routines as well. To last that long... Even the Australia series, he played all the Test matches. In fact, his workload was slightly bigger than Bumrah," Bangar added.

Bangar On Why Siraj Avoids Bumrah's Injury Woes

Bangar also highlighted a key difference in Bumrah and Siraj's bowling mechanics which also leaves a great impact on their workload and injury concerns.

"The workload factor may not come in for Siraj. Fortunately, Siraj's hasn't had the kind of injuries Bumrah has had to endure. Because his action is more conventional, he does depend a lot on the momentum that he generates in his run-up and it doesn't take that much of a toll on his body. Unlike Bumrah, the mechanics are totally different," Bangar added.

This explains why Siraj has played all five Tests this series while Bumrah was restricted to three. With India 75/2 in their second innings, trailing by 148, Siraj's ability to back up his bowling with fresh legs could prove decisive in this series finale.

Nevertheless, just as Dravid's grit complemented Sachin Tendulkar's flair, Siraj's durability balances Bumrah's explosiveness. As India push for a series-levelling win at The Oval, this "Dravid of pace" might finally step out of the shadows.