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Williamson calls Siraj's attitude 'contagious'; reveals what sets India pacer apart from others

Rajgeeta Yadav

Kane Williamson on Mohammed Siraj [Source: AFP]Kane Williamson on Mohammed Siraj [Source: AFP]

New Zealand star batter Kane Williamson has showered high praise on Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, calling him a perfect example of a player who always puts his team above himself. Williamson admired Siraj’s dedication and never-give-up attitude, which he said make him stand out as both a player and a leader.

Speaking at the CEAT Cricket Awards on Tuesday, Williamson recalled watching Siraj closely during his early days with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL). 

“I got to know him early in his career before he represented India, observing his talent as a young cricketer for Sunrisers in the IPL,” Williamson said.


“What sets him apart is his relentless commitment to putting the team first and his desire to take the ball, even when the game might not be moving. He always wants to be the player who changes the game by bowling long spells, and this attitude is contagious within the team,” he added.

Since making his Test debut in 2020, Siraj has become a key part of India’s fast-bowling unit. In 42 Test matches, he has taken 130 wickets. In One-Day Internationals (ODIs), he has picked up 71 wickets in 44 innings, and in T20 Internationals, he has claimed 14 wickets in 16 innings. His consistency and fighting spirit have helped India win several important matches.

Recently, one of Siraj’s standout performances came in the Ahmedabad Test against the West Indies, where he took four wickets in the first innings and set up a massive victory for India by an innings and 140 runs. 

Earlier this year, his fiery spells in England helped India draw the Test series 2-2, proving that he can deliver in all kinds of conditions and against world-class opponents.

Williamson compares Siraj's attitude with Neil Wagner

Williamson compared Siraj’s attitude to that of former New Zealand fast bowler Neil Wagner, who was known for his never-say-die approach. 

“In New Zealand, we had a similar presence in Neil Wagner, who would always take on challenges without backing down and could steady the team’s nerves. Mohammed Siraj embodies that spirit," Williamson said.

With India carefully managing the workload of star bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj’s dependability has become crucial. His eagerness to bowl in any situation, his team-first mindset and his passion for the game make him one of India’s most valuable players today.

Siraj currently leads the wicket charts for India in the 2025 World Test Championship and will next feature in the second Test against the West Indies in Delhi, starting October 10.