Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has praised Mohammed Siraj for his heroics in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. Siraj claimed nine wickets in the final Test and helped India pull off a six-run win to level the series 2-2 against England.
The 31-year-old fast bowler also emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the series with 23 wickets. With Jasprit Bumrah missing, Siraj led the pace attack with grit and consistency throughout the five-match series.“We failed to recognise Mohammed Siraj. The time has come to recognise him now. He once again put his hand up; he has given a compelling reason. Just look at his celebration, it seems as if he is saying, ‘This is not the trailer. This is the main picture itself’. He is saying, ‘Please consider me as a match winner’. ’ He is reminding us what a champion bowler he is. His bowling action, his technique and good work ethic are allowing him to play all five Tests in a series,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel.
Ashwin, who retired in December 2024, urged skipper Shubman Gill and mentor Gautam Gambhir to manage Siraj’s workload wisely.“He is also growing old. It is important for the team management to rest him as well from inconsequential matches. He could be your No.1 Test bowler; he could be your go-to Test bowler. We have to rebuild the bowling attack. Akash Deep is there, Prasidh Krishna is there, Arshdeep Singh is there. Around Mohammed Siraj and his experience, we have to build it,” Ashwin added.
Siraj Bowled Most Overs in the Series
Siraj bowled 187 overs in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy—more than any other bowler in the series. He showed emotional strength after setbacks like India’s loss at Lord’s and his missed catch of Harry Brook, who went on to score 111 at The Oval.
Still, Siraj delivered when it mattered. On Day 5 of the final Test, he picked up three of the last four wickets, sealing India’s win.“Let’s celebrate Siraj. He is the leading wicket-taker in the series. Dinesh Karthik interviewed him on Day 4, and then he interviewed him after the match had ended. He was his translator as well. But in the interview he had with Siraj, he was just asking questions in English. He knows all about him. In the T20 World Cup, Siraj said ‘We believe in Jassi Bhai’. But today, not Jassi Bhai, Miyan Bhai was the real instrument to level this series. Without Jasprit Bumrah, we have drawn this series. Siraj has led the attack,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin Calls Siraj “Once-in-a-Generation Cricketer”
Ashwin praised Siraj’s stamina and dedication, calling him a rare talent in Indian cricket history.“Cricketing gods have been fair to Siraj. Despite getting it wrong at times, he never stops running in. It is very easy for someone playing all the Tests to say, ‘I am tired. I am having pain’. He is always there on the field; he never goes outside. Cricketing gods recognise these things. Very well deserved. It is very hard to find players like Siraj. Players like Siraj don’t come easily, especially from India. He is the first of his kind. Mohammed Siraj, for his pure attitude, is a once-in-a-generation cricketer,” Ashwin concluded.
Siraj’s sensational performance in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 could mark a turning point in his Test career. With Bumrah’s role now uncertain, India may have found their new pace spearhead in “Miyan Bhai.”
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