Ashwin Calls Mohammed Siraj a Match-Winner After Oval Heroics
Mohammed Siraj earned high praise from former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin after his brilliant display in the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The fast bowler claimed nine wickets in the final Test and helped India seal a thrilling six-run victory over England, leveling the series 2-2.
Siraj finished as the top wicket-taker of the series with 23 dismissals, stepping up in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. The 31-year-old played a vital role in every match, leading the pace attack with intensity and discipline.
“We failed to recognise Mohammed Siraj. The time has come to recognise him now. He once again put his hand up; he has given a compelling reason. Just look at his celebration, it seems as if he is saying, ‘This is not the trailer. This is the main picture itself’. He is saying, ‘Please consider me as a match winner’. ’ He is reminding us what a champion bowler he is. His bowling action, his technique and good work ethic are allowing him to play all five Tests in a series,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Ashwin, who hung up his boots in December 2024, urged head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill to manage Siraj’s workload and plan for the future.
“He is also growing old. It is important for the team management to rest him as well from inconsequential matches. He could be your No.1 Test bowler; he could be your go-to Test bowler. We have to rebuild the bowling attack. Akash Deep is there, Prasidh Krishna is there, Arshdeep Singh is there. Around Mohammed Siraj and his experience, we have to build it,” he added.
Siraj Leads With Workload and Passion
Throughout the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Siraj bowled a total of 187 overs—more than any other bowler in the series. His resilience stood out even after setbacks, including India’s loss at Lord’s and a costly dropped catch of Harry Brook at The Oval.
Still, Siraj made a comeback when it mattered most, picking three of the last four wickets on Day 5 to help India win.
“Let’s celebrate Siraj. He is the leading wicket-taker in the series. Dinesh Karthik interviewed him on Day 4, and then he interviewed him after the match had ended. He was his translator as well. But in the interview he had with Siraj, he was just asking questions in English. He knows all about him. In the T20 World Cup, Siraj said ‘We believe in Jassi Bhai’. But today, not Jassi Bhai, Miyan Bhai was the real instrument to level this series. Without Jasprit Bumrah, we have drawn this series. Siraj has led the attack,” said Ashwin.
Once-in-a-Generation Fast Bowler, Says Ashwin
Ashwin hailed Siraj’s never-give-up attitude, saying he deserves to be celebrated for his grit and character.“Cricketing gods have been fair to Siraj. Despite getting it wrong at times, he never stops running in. It is very easy for someone playing all the Tests to say, ‘I am tired. I am having pain’. He is always there on the field; he never goes outside. Cricketing gods recognise these things. Very well deserved. It is very hard to find players like Siraj. Players like Siraj don’t come easily, especially from India. He is the first of his kind. Mohammed Siraj, for his pure attitude, is a once-in-a-generation cricketer,” Ashwin concluded.With Bumrah’s future uncertain, Siraj’s performance may shape the future of India’s Test pace unit.
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