Never say die: Siraj bowled 185.3 overs and emerged as the leading wicket-taker (23) in England.
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After a series-saving five-wicket haul at The Oval, Mohammed Siraj was spotted learning a trend from Arshdeep Singh for an Instagram reel.
It involved a nonchalant utterance of the words: “Pressure? What pressure?” Arshdeep then chided a bumbling Siraj, “He has to be taught everything besides bowling!”
He was right. With 23 wickets to his name, Siraj emerged as India’s leading wicket-taker in England, the joint most by an Indian seamer in a Test series in the country alongside Jasprit Bumrah (2021-22).
That trademark aggression which England had stared into time and again over the last 25 days was replaced by a big, toothy smile.
Team India fielding coach T. Dilip was all praise for the explosive Hyderabad pacer, saying Siraj loves a “good challenge.”
“In most games I have seen him feature in — be it in Ranji Trophy or for India — whenever there’s a challenge placed before him, he comes out on top. Challenges get the best out of him, and the best way he tackles hard stuff is by bringing out that aggression,” he told The Hindu.
The 31-year-old shouldered a lion’s share of bowling duties, accounting for 185.3 overs in all.
“It’s never easy for any fast bowler to play all games while also being effective. The physical side is one thing, but it also comes down to mindset. Siraj plays with a lot of heart. He takes pride in representing India and always gives that extra 10%. It shows what a character he is”.
Published – August 05, 2025 12:34 am IST
