Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has heaped rich praise on Mohammed Siraj after the pacer played a starring role in India’s historic six-run win over England in the fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval.
Siraj, who picked up a five-wicket haul in the second innings and finished the match with nine wickets, was instrumental in helping India level the series 2-2 in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.
Needing 35 runs on the final day of the fixture, England aimed to win the series 3-1. However, Mohammed Siraj ensured that India got the result they wanted. He dismissed Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton and Gus Atkinson on Day 5 to help India to close a dramatic victory as the series ended 2-2.
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Ravichandran Ashwin Lauds Mohammed Siraj for His Match-Winning Spell at The Oval
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin said that while Siraj’s efforts have often gone under the radar, the time has finally come to acknowledge his importance to India’s Test set-up. The 31-year-old ended the series as the leading wicket-taker with 23 scalps and bowled more than 185 overs across the five matches.
"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," said Ashwin as quoted on his YouTube channel.
Ashwin, who retired from international cricket in December 2024, advised head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill to manage Siraj’s workload carefully going forward. He also spoke about the need to rebuild India’s pace attack around the experienced seamer.
"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.
The former off-spinner was particularly touched by Siraj’s dedication and resilience.
"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."
"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 continued.
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Mohammed Siraj Shines as India Draw Historic Series at The Oval
India’s win at The Oval was one for the history books. Siraj produced a sensational spell on Day 5 to finish with figures of 5 for 104 in the second innings.
He shouldered the bulk of the pace workload in the absence of Bumrah, bowling over 185 overs on the tour. His tally of 23 wickets made him the highest wicket-taker of the series.
Also read: IND vs ENG 2025: Fans Praise Mohammed Siraj As They Celebrate India's Oval Test Win
