- August 3, 2025
If you follow cricket, you’ll have seen how some players change gear at pressure moments, as if there’s an extra-special ability hidden in their pocket. Cue Mohammed Siraj — the converted unplayable variant of yourself that we see every time Jasprit Bumrah is not around. No, it isn’t clickbait. It is a fascinating cricketing mystery that is worth digging into. So, let’s decipher why Siraj becomes India’s preferred terror when the legendary Bumrah is off the pitch.
When the Spotlight Shifts: Siraj’s Rise as the Lead Paceman
It is easy to look past the guy playing second banana to a superstar. The role for Siraj was simple for a while – back Bumrah, bowl steady stock balls, be the tireless option, but stay more-or-less in the shadows. But put him on the spot, and everything changes. The stats tell an interesting tale: alongside Bumrah, Siraj averages 35 with the ball, as the lead spearhead, he is taking off about 10 runs per wicket, and getting wickets more frequently.
What is it that makes this transformation special? Siraj is driven by responsibility. Not everyone can own the obligation to be asked to lead the attack. Most people struggle and hesitate. He leans right into the ask. Be it the pressure of filling Bumrah’s shoes or the will to prove that he can take the team bowling on his own, whatever fuels Siraj’s desire to represent India turns into something spectacular once the first ball is bowled. As we watch Siraj run in, producing energy unhinged, batting long spells, it is obvious that he is more than a bowler; he is the engine that keeps the Indian bowling unit chugging away.
Behind the Magic: Craft, Courage, and a Clever Cricket Brain
Siraj’s success isn’t just about raw pace or fitness (though he’s got plenty of both). It’s his cleverness that sets him apart. His “scrambled seam” delivery, a trick he’s added recently, confounds batsmen with unpredictable movement off the pitch — making him a puzzle hard to solve. Combine that with his natural aggression, but without malice, and you get a bowler who keeps batsmen guessing ball after ball.
What’s more, Siraj’s temperament is absolute gold. He is unfazed and completely focused after dropped catches, lifts teammates when it’s tough, and plays with a rustic charm that is authentic and scary. His energy and spirit are consistent, whether the sun is beating down or they are sitting in rain delays, which is quite astonishing for fast bowlers who often rely on short bursts of adrenaline. The rock-solid consistency he provides the team is the cornerstone of his strong reputation.
Filling the Bumrah Void: A New Era in Indian Pace Bowling?
India’s pace attack has revolved around Bumrah for years — his sharpness and pace are legendary. But with Bumrah needing careful management and limited spells, the team’s reliance on Siraj is growing. At The Oval recently, Siraj bowled over 50 overs across innings, taking 18 wickets in the series so far — the highest for India.
This workload shows trust and also hints at a future where Siraj could take on a permanent lead role. Especially since Mohammed Shami’s Test career seems uncertain, Siraj stands at a crossroads. If he keeps bowling with the same tenacity and inventiveness, we could be witnessing the birth of a new Indian pace spearhead — one who leads not from the shadows but from the front, commanding respect and fear in equal measure.
What are your thoughts on Siraj’s trajectory? Leave a comment or share your favourite Mohammed Siraj moment below — let us all bask in the glow of this unexpected superstar!
