Was it God's script? Siraj reflects on his England tour performance
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Synopsis
In an enlightening interview, Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj recounts his pivotal role in the final Test against England, where he helped clinch victory for his team. Discover how his unwavering confidence and belief in destiny fueled an unforgettable performance, leading to a remarkable series draw.
Key Takeaways
- Mohammed Siraj showcased exceptional skills with 23 wickets in the series.
- He expressed unwavering confidence in his fitness and readiness to play.
- Siraj overcame challenges and criticism with a remarkable performance.
- His journey reflects the spirit of perseverance and determination.
- He felt a sense of divine inspiration guiding his actions on the field.
New Delhi, Oct 6 (NationPress) India pacer Mohammed Siraj shared his thoughts on opting to bowl during the decisive Test match against England this year. His vital spell was instrumental in securing a victory for the team led by Shubman Gill, resulting in a 2-2 draw in the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy.
Siraj expressed that he would have eagerly participated in a sixth Test if it had been scheduled. With Jasprit Bumrah being regularly rested and participating only in select matches, the 31-year-old spearheaded India’s bowling lineup and excelled on the field.
“Shubman Gill inquired, ‘Kaisi hai teri body?’ (How is your body?). I replied, ‘Ekdum first-class’. He asked if I was ready to play, and I confirmed my availability. He mentioned that I was our primary bowler, similar to Jasprit Bumrah, and that the decision was mine. I assured him I was 100 percent fit and ready to give it my all. Honestly, I would have participated in another Test if it were available. I didn’t feel fatigued. I was in a zone where you focus solely on the task at hand,” Siraj mentioned to The Indian Express.
Throughout the series against England, Siraj captured 23 wickets, the highest by any bowler from both teams, including nine in the final Test. With Bumrah absent for this match, there was an opportunity for Siraj to opt out of the Oval Test due to concerns regarding the physical toll of consistent bowling.
Ultimately, he thrived on the last day of the fifth Test and emerged as a standout performer. Following criticism for his actions after catching Harry Brook on Day 4, Siraj silenced his detractors with an impressive bowling performance as India celebrated a remarkable win.
“It felt like a script penned by a higher power. From the disappointment at Lords to reaching the Oval, where I took a catch and touched the boundary, everything seemed preordained. On that final morning, with the opposition needing 35 runs, I told myself this game wouldn't extend beyond an hour, and I was determined to secure victory. I woke up at 6 am, puzzled by my early rise. I realized I needed to affirm, ‘I can do this, win the game’. When I bowled, it aligned perfectly with my thoughts; it felt like a divine sign. God had scripted, ‘Ja hero ban ja tu, become a hero’,” Siraj added.
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Point of View
It is vital to highlight the exceptional journey of athletes like Mohammed Siraj. His story not only showcases his talent but also embodies the spirit of perseverance that resonates with fans across the nation. We stand with our athletes, supporting their endeavors and celebrating their successes as they elevate Indian cricket on the global stage.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What role did Siraj play in the final Test against England?
Mohammed Siraj played a crucial role in the final Test, taking nine wickets and helping India secure a victory, leading to a 2-2 series draw.
How many wickets did Siraj take in the series?
Siraj took a total of 23 wickets in the series against England, the highest by any bowler.
What did Siraj say about his fitness?
Siraj expressed that he felt fit and ready to play, stating he would have participated in another Test if it had been scheduled.
How did Siraj respond to criticism after the catch?
Siraj silenced critics with his outstanding bowling performance on the final day, demonstrating his ability to rise above challenges.
What did Siraj mean by 'God's script'?
Siraj referred to his performance as a script written by a higher power, indicating he felt destined for success in the pivotal match.
