Baffling account of Muhammad's incapability to perform in the wake of Jasprit Bumrah's absence
Mohammed Siraj has emerged as the leading pace bowler for India in the 2025 Test series against England, particularly in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. The 28-year-old Hyderabadi pacer has delivered crucial performances, including a standout 6/70 in the second Test at Edgbaston.
Siraj led India’s bowling in the series with 13 wickets in three matches, including a six-wicket haul that catalysed India’s only victory at Edgbaston. His workload has been heavier than Bumrah’s, as Bumrah was rested for two Tests to manage his fitness, given a history of back issues.
Siraj, known within the team as jigra (guts), has been India’s "ever-present pace engine," bowling long spells even when the ball is old and conditions are tough for seamers. Compared to Bumrah, Siraj has maintained a significant strike rate and impact but with slightly shorter spells per innings (12.83 overs compared to Bumrah’s 14.63), though his spells are more frequent.
One of Siraj's most potent wicket-taking options is the scrambled seam delivery. His tireless forays to the bowling crease are fuelled by a discernible uptick in energy and adrenaline. Siraj takes pride in being the main man and the principal weapon of destruction. His aggression on the field, without malice, has earned him respect from teammates and opponents alike.
At The Oval, Siraj bowled the most overs by an Indian, totalling 155.2 overs for 18 wickets. His performances in England show a bowler capable of taking the mantle in Bumrah’s absence. In Birmingham last month, Siraj catalysed India's victory with six for 70 in the first innings, when Bumrah was rested. On Day 2 at The Oval, Siraj took four wickets in the first innings.
Mohammed Siraj and Rishabh Pant are often considered the engine room of the Indian side. India's desire for batting depth meant they could only play three specialist quicks at The Oval, with Siraj, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna bowling all but two of the 51.2 overs England survived on Friday. Siraj bowled a final burst of 4.2-0-20-1, rounding off his day with a total of 19 overs.
An encore at The Oval might push Siraj closer to stepping out of the giant Bumrah shadow. His statistics (74 wickets in 25 Tests alongside Bumrah, with a series-leading 13 wickets in three matches here) highlight his growing importance. Siraj's rustic simplicity belies a complex puzzle for batters to solve due to his varied skills. His celebrations, such as the Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired pirouette after dismissing Harry Brook, show a player who enjoys his craft.
In summary, Mohammed Siraj has proven his worth as a key player for India, especially in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. His performances in the Test series against England have solidified his place as a reliable and impactful fast bowler, capable of leading the attack when needed. As the series progresses, Siraj continues to show his potential to become a mainstay in the Indian cricket team.
Cricket has become a significant focus for India in the 2025 Test series against England, with Mohammed Siraj's performances in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah shining brightly. Despite playing more overs and working in challenging conditions, Siraj demonstrated a significant strike rate and impact, comparable to football's energy and bravado.
