- August 3, 2025
Let’s face it—watching India bowl without Jasprit Bumrah can feel like being handed chai without sugar. You know it’s still tea, but something’s missing. Yet every so often, Mohammed Siraj storms in and turns what could’ve been a bland brew into a full-bodied espresso shot—bold, intense, and impossible to ignore. Over the past few years, Siraj has repeatedly raised his hand when India’s ace pacer has been unavailable, delivering fire, flair, and fierce spells. The recent fifth Test against England at The Oval was just the latest chapter in a story that proves one thing: Siraj isn’t just a stand-in—he’s a statement.
Taking Charge at The Oval – Siraj’s Fiery Spell in the 2025 Finale
India was down a heavy hitter—again. On a slightly spicy Oval track, England’s top order came out swinging. Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Harry Brook made early dents in India’s hopes. But then came Siraj, all rhythm and rage. His four wickets—especially the scalps of Pope, Root, and Brook—turned England’s free-flowing innings into a stuttering mess. With figures of 4/86, Siraj wasn’t just plugging a Bumrah-sized gap—he was setting the tone, charging ahead like the undisputed leader of the pack.
The Gabba Glory – Siraj Becomes the Leader
The Gabba. The citadel Australia hadn’t succumbed to in over thirty years. Bumrah? Injured! The bowling unit? Below are inexperienced and untested. Mohammed Siraj? Only in his third Test match. But Siraj didn’t blend into the background; he was sublime. His second innings five-wicket haul was fearless, relentless, and emotional. He was just not bowling for India; he was carrying the burden of grief on his shoulders, having lost his father just a couple of weeks prior. His bowling performance of 5/73 had the home team within reach, and India did what had become a miracle chase.
Proving a Point at Home – Mumbai, 2021 vs New Zealand
Home conditions do not always mean easy wickets, particularly when the spinners are ruling everything. But Siraj’s 3/19 vs New Zealand in the Wankhede in 2021 was a dominant exhibition of seam movement and aggression. Bumrah was given a break from the match, so Siraj decided to take responsibility and make his mark early and hard against the Kiwi batsmen. In a game of cricket where the spinners were wowing the crowd by how well they were bowling, Siraj’s quick spell ensured New Zealand never got settled in the first innings.
Caribbean Storm – Trinidad, 2023
Trinidad, 2023: Bumrah may still be a little way from being ready, looking to notch up somebody—anybody—to knock over the West Indies. Siraj produced a superb five-wicket haul (5/60) to take down the Windies’ middle order, bowling at unplayable lines and lengths. Although rain meant that there was no chance of a result, Siraj was quite rightly awarded Player of the Match.
Mohammed Siraj is no longer waiting in the wings. He is bowling in the limelight, earning it, owning it. Time after time, in situations that rendered Bumrah unavailable for selection, Siraj has responded to the call. Not just as numbers, but as an impact, as intent, and as intensity. For Indian fans, there is always a desire to see Bumrah 100%, but it represents an assurance that – nay, elation – that they have a new ball bowler who’s more than ready to take the new ball for India.
So here’s a consideration: has Siraj finally emerged from Bumrah’s shadow or established a legacy for himself that stands side by side? Let us know in the comments below.
