From a modest starting point of 200 rupees per match to capturing a billion hearts, the journey of Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj's journey from the streets of Hyderabad to becoming one of India's biggest match-winning heroes is a tale of determination, hard work, and raw talent. Born to a father who drove an auto-rickshaw, Siraj started playing cricket with a tennis ball before transitioning to professional cricket as a fast bowler.
Domestic and Early International Career
Siraj's journey began in domestic cricket, playing for Hyderabad. He later represented Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was selected for India's T20I squad in 2017 and made his international debut later that year. His ODI debut came against Australia in January 2019, and he made his Test debut against the same opposition in December 2020. His first Test wicket was Marnus Labuschagne, and he secured his first five-wicket haul in early 2021 during the Australia series.
Overcoming Setbacks
Despite being dropped post the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Siraj bounced back strongly by delivering consistent performances in the Ranji Trophy and IPL, taking 16 wickets in 15 matches with Gujarat Titans.
Key Performances and Recognition
Siraj has had standout performances in Test cricket, notably taking 6 wickets in the second Test at Edgbaston against England, including dismissing Joe Root and Ben Stokes in back-to-back balls. This game earned him Player of the Match accolades.
Recent Career Highlights
In the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series in England in 2025, Siraj was the highest wicket-taker, with 23 wickets in five Tests. His nine-wicket haul in the historic narrow-win match at The Oval helped India achieve their first Test victory by less than 10 runs in 93 years.
Ranking and Status
Following the 2025 England series, Siraj climbed 12 spots to reach the 15th position in the ICC Test bowling rankings, marking his career-best ranking and underlining his growing presence as a leader of India's pace attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.
Fielding and Praise
Siraj is also recognized for his excellent fielding skills, earning praise from cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who dubbed him "Mohammed Jonty Siraj" for his agility and sharp catches comparable to Jonty Rhodes.
In summary, Mohammed Siraj's ascent from playing tennis ball cricket in Hyderabad’s streets to becoming a key match-winner for India in crucial international fixtures is marked by perseverance, impactful performances, and continuous improvement, culminating in his pivotal role in landmark Indian victories and his emergence as one of India's premier fast bowlers.
In the realm of cricket news, Mohammed Siraj's historical journey from playing tennis ball cricket on Hyderabad's streets to becoming a key member of India's pace attack earned him accolades not only for his match-winning performances but also for his exceptional fielding skills. His impressive career highlights include climbing to the 15th position in the ICC Test bowling rankings in 2025, following his performance in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series in England. Besides his Test successes, his five-wicket haul in early 2021 during the Australia series and Player of the Match accolades at Edgbaston against England mark significant milestones in his career. Interestingly, Siraj's prowess has filled the void left by Jasprit Bumrah's absence and solidified his spot in India's sports-analysis discussions, positioning him as a promising key player in sports-analysis spheres.
