In a thrilling climax to the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj delivered a performance for the ages at The Oval, London, on August 4, 2025. His match-defining heroics not only secured a historic six-run victory for India, leveling the five-match Test series against England at 2-2, but also catapulted him to a career-best 15th position in the ICC Test bowling rankings. Siraj’s nine-wicket haul, including a crucial five-wicket haul in the second innings, underscored his growing stature as a linchpin of India’s pace attack, particularly in the absence of spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. This article delves into Siraj’s remarkable journey, his standout performance at The Oval, and the broader implications for Indian cricket as the team looks to build on this momentum.
The Oval Test: A Match for the Ages
The fifth Test at The Oval was a microcosm of the pulsating drama that defined the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. With the series tied at 2-2, both teams entered the final match with everything to play for. England, powered by centuries from Joe Root and Harry Brook, seemed to hold the upper hand on Day 4, needing just 35 runs with four wickets in hand to chase down a target of 374. For India, the situation looked precarious, especially after Siraj dropped a catch of Brook, a moment that could have tilted the game decisively in England’s favor.
However, Siraj’s response to adversity was nothing short of extraordinary. On the final morning, with drizzle in the air and tension palpable, he produced a spell of fast bowling that will be etched in Indian cricket lore. Bowling with relentless pace and precision, Siraj claimed three of England’s last four wickets, finishing with figures of 9/190 for the match. His decisive blow came in the form of a searing yorker that uprooted Gus Atkinson’s off stump when England needed just seven runs to win. The victory, India’s narrowest by runs in Test cricket history, was a testament to Siraj’s ability to deliver under pressure and his unwavering belief in his craft.
Siraj’s performance earned him the Player of the Match award, a fitting recognition for a bowler who bowled 85.3 overs in the series—more than any other bowler—and finished as the leading wicket-taker with 23 scalps. His ability to swing and seam the old Dukes ball, coupled with his emotional intensity, turned the tide in India’s favor. As he celebrated with his trademark “Siuu” sprint, Siraj was engulfed by teammates and fans alike, marking a moment of pure catharsis after a series filled with highs and lows.
A Meteoric Rise in the ICC Rankings
Siraj’s heroics at The Oval propelled him 12 places up the ICC Test bowling rankings, from 27th to a career-best 15th, with 674 rating points. This marked the first time he broke into the top 15, surpassing his previous best of 16th, achieved in January 2024 during India’s tour of South Africa. His rise reflects not only his individual brilliance but also his growing consistency as a Test bowler. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the final Test to manage his workload, Siraj stepped up as the leader of India’s pace attack, showcasing his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations.
Joining Siraj in the rankings surge was his teammate Prasidh Krishna, who climbed 25 places to a career-best 59th position with 368 rating points. Krishna’s eight wickets in the Oval Test, including four in the second innings, complemented Siraj’s efforts, making them only the second Indian pair—after spinners Bishan Bedi and Erapalli Prasanna in 1969—to take four or more wickets each in both innings of a Test. This partnership highlighted the depth in India’s pace bowling reserves, a critical factor as the team navigates a transitional phase with stalwarts like Bumrah and Mohammed Shami occasionally sidelined.
Jasprit Bumrah, despite playing only three Tests in the series, retained his position as the world’s top-ranked Test bowler with 889 rating points. His 14 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls, underscored his dominance, but Siraj’s performance at The Oval ensured that India’s pace attack remained formidable even in his absence. The presence of two Indian bowlers in the top 15 of the ICC rankings signals a bright future for the team’s fast-bowling unit, which has evolved into one of the most potent in world cricket.
Siraj’s Journey: From Hyderabad to Global Stardom
Mohammed Siraj’s rise to prominence is a story of grit, perseverance, and unrelenting hard work. Born on March 13, 1994, in Hyderabad to a Hyderabadi Muslim family, Siraj grew up in modest circumstances. His father, Mirza Mohammed Ghaus, was an auto-rickshaw driver, and his mother, Shabana Begum, a housewife. Siraj’s introduction to cricket came late, starting with tennis ball cricket at the age of 16 before transitioning to club cricket at 19. His breakthrough came in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy season, where he took 41 wickets for Hyderabad, earning a spot with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2017 Indian Premier League (IPL).
Despite his raw pace and bounce catching the eye of coaches like Tom Moody, Siraj’s early international career was marked by inconsistency. His Test debut came in December 2020 against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where he stepped in for the injured Mohammed Shami and claimed the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne. Since then, Siraj has grown into a three-format player for India, with notable performances in the 2023 Asia Cup—where he was Player of the Match in the final—and the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Siraj’s journey has not been without challenges. Often labeled a “workhorse” by critics who questioned his wicket-taking ability, he has faced skepticism about his skill set compared to Bumrah’s all-encompassing brilliance. Yet, Siraj’s commitment to his process—focusing on accuracy, swing, and relentless effort—has silenced doubters. His ability to bowl at speeds exceeding 140 kph, as evidenced by five balls above this mark in his final spell at The Oval, showcases his physical prowess and mental fortitude.
The Emotional Core of Siraj’s Performance
What sets Siraj apart is his emotional investment in the game. After the Oval victory, he revealed that a Google image with the word “believe” and memories of his late father fueled his performance. “When I woke up today, I thought I could do it,” Siraj said, reflecting on the mindset that carried him through the tense final morning. His raw emotion was evident in his celebrations, from the “Siuu” sprint to the tearful embrace with teammates, encapsulating the passion that drives him.
Siraj’s ability to channel emotion into performance was particularly poignant given his earlier mistake in the match—dropping Harry Brook’s catch on Day 4. Rather than letting the error define him, he used it as motivation, delivering a spell that swung the match in India’s favor. His resilience resonated with fans and teammates alike, with former Indian captain Virat Kohli and coach Gautam Gambhir praising his heart and determination.
Implications for Indian Cricket
Siraj’s performance at The Oval is more than just a personal triumph; it signals a new dawn for Indian cricket. With Bumrah managing his workload and Shami recovering from injuries, Siraj’s emergence as a leader of the pace attack is timely. His partnership with Prasidh Krishna, who showed promise despite occasional lapses in control, suggests that India’s pace bowling depth is robust enough to compete in challenging overseas conditions.
The series also highlighted the contributions of other young players. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s match-winning century at The Oval propelled him back into the top five of the ICC Test batting rankings, while Rishabh Pant retained his spot in the top 10 despite missing the final Test due to a foot injury. However, not all news was positive, as captain Shubman Gill slipped four places to 13th in the batting rankings, and spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar dropped to 17th and 52nd, respectively, in the bowling charts.
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, named in honor of two cricketing legends, was a fitting stage for India’s next generation to shine. Siraj’s heroics, coupled with the performances of Jaiswal and Krishna, underscored the team’s ability to compete against a formidable England side known for its “Bazball” aggression. The series, which ebbed and flowed across five Tests, showcased India’s resilience and depth, qualities that will be crucial as they aim to climb the World Test Championship standings.
Looking Ahead
As Siraj basks in the glow of his career-best ranking, the focus now shifts to sustaining this form. His ability to lead the attack in Bumrah’s absence has elevated his status within the team, but consistency will be key. With upcoming tours and the next cycle of the World Test Championship on the horizon, Siraj’s role as a senior bowler will only grow. His partnership with Krishna and emerging talents like Akashdeep could form the backbone of India’s pace attack for years to come.
For now, Siraj’s Oval heroics will remain a defining moment in his career and Indian cricket history. The image of his yorker sending Atkinson’s stump cartwheeling, followed by the jubilant celebrations, encapsulates the spirit of a player who thrives under pressure. As he continues to “download belief” and honor his father’s memory, Mohammed Siraj is not just a bowler but a symbol of perseverance, passion, and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
