Mohammed Siraj delivered a statement performance in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, finishing as the highest wicket-taker with 23 scalps across five Tests. His efforts proved decisive in India’s two victories, both of which came when Jasprit Bumrah was absent. Siraj’s performance averaged 25 and struck every 44 balls in those crucial games.

The Hyderabad pacer admitted that criticism over India’s reliance on Bumrah pushed him to raise his game. He called it a moment to ‘stop the talk�?and show he could lead the attack. Siraj took six wickets at Edgbaston and nine at The Oval, while also keeping teammates such as Akash Deep motivated throughout the series.

In his words, ‘the world had forgotten who Siraj was�? and he wanted his bowling to provide the answer. While acknowledging Bumrah’s unmatched class, he underlined that he can be India’s most trusted option in his absence.

Despite his heroics, Siraj was overlooked for the Asia Cup 2025 squad, even after bowling a series-high 185.3 overs. Selection may have passed him by this time, yet his role in India’s 2-2 draw with England confirmed his value as a leader of the attack.

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