India’s legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar has lavished praise on right-arm pacer Mohammed Siraj, saying the fast bowler “doesn’t get the credit he deserves” for his consistent match-winning spells during the recently concluded five-Test series against England.
Despite the series ending in a draw, Siraj emerged as a standout performer, claiming 23 wickets in nine innings at an average of 32.43 – the highest across both teams in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
The 30-year-old Hyderabad pacer also outshone India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, and was the only fast bowler to feature in all five Tests, underlining his fitness and determination.
“Unbelievable. Superb approach. I love his attitude,” Tendulkar said in a recent interview. “For a fast bowler to be constantly in your face like that, no batsman will like it. He has that spring in his legs and the courage to deliver when it matters the most.”
Siraj’s standout performance came in the second innings of the fifth Test, where he picked up a sensational five-wicket haul, helping India clinch a thrilling six-run victory — their narrowest win in Test history.
For his fiery spell that turned the match on its head, Siraj was named Player of the Match, while captain Shubman Gill walked away with the Player of the Series honours.
Tendulkar particularly praised Siraj’s ability to maintain high intensity deep into the series.
“To bowl at 90mph (145kph) on the final day of a five-match series, after delivering more than 1000 balls, shows his courage and big heart,” Tendulkar added.
“Whenever the team needs that knockout punch, Siraj has delivered. He played a key role throughout the series.”
Siraj: The quiet workhorse
Often overshadowed by the likes of Bumrah and spinners like Ashwin, Siraj has steadily built a reputation as a go-to bowler in crunch situations. His ability to extract movement, generate bounce, and sustain aggression has made him a reliable option for India in all formats.
Having made his Test debut in 2020, Siraj has grown from being a backup bowler to now leading the Indian pace attack in the absence or rotation of senior players. His hunger, evident in his roaring celebrations and relentless spells, has become a hallmark of India’s new-era bowling unit.
Final stats from the series:
Mohammed Siraj: 23 wickets (Avg: 32.43) – Most in series
Jasprit Bumrah: 19 wickets
James Anderson: 11 wickets
Mark Wood: 14 wickets
Tendulkar’s public endorsement holds weight in Indian cricket, and his words may spur further recognition for Siraj, who has often flown under the radar.
As India looks ahead to future Test challenges, including an away tour to Australia next year, Siraj’s form and fitness will likely be pivotal. And if he continues to deliver with the same heart and hustle, there’s little doubt he’ll soon be counted among the world’s elite pacers.
