In the high-stakes arena of international cricket, where every match is a battle of skill, strategy, and endurance, one name has consistently shone for the Indian team: Mohammed Siraj. As the IND vs ENG Test series of 2025 unfolds, Siraj has emerged as the backbone of India’s pace attack, earning praise for his relentless spirit and lion-hearted commitment. India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, recently lauded Siraj’s unwavering dedication, noting, “He’s not someone who’s ever going to shy away from a workload, which makes it all the more important for us to manage it carefully”. This article delves into Siraj’s journey, his pivotal role in the IND vs ENG series, and the critical need to manage his workload to sustain his brilliance.
A Journey from Humble Beginnings
Mohammed Siraj’s rise to cricketing stardom is a story of grit and determination. Born on March 13, 1994, in Hyderabad, Telangana, to a Hyderabadi Muslim family, Siraj’s early life was far from glamorous. His father, Mirza Mohammed Ghaus, was an auto-rickshaw driver, and his mother, Shabana Begum, a housewife. Siraj began playing cricket with a tennis ball at the age of 16, showcasing raw talent by taking nine wickets in his first club match for his uncle’s team in the Hyderabad Cricket Association. His first-class debut came in 2015 for Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy, and by 2018, he was the leading wicket-taker in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, signaling his potential as a fast bowler.
Siraj’s international breakthrough came in 2020 during India’s tour of Australia, where he made his Test debut and claimed his first five-wicket haul in the fourth Test at Brisbane. Since then, he has been a mainstay in India’s red-ball setup, particularly in challenging overseas conditions. His performances in the IND vs ENG series in 2025 have further cemented his reputation as a bowler who thrives under pressure, often delivering when the team needs him most.
The Lion of India’s Pace Attack
In the ongoing IND vs ENG Test series, Siraj has been a revelation. With 14 wickets in three Tests, he leads the wicket-takers’ chart for India, bowling a staggering 109 overs—the most by any Indian pacer in the series. His ability to maintain intensity and extract wickets on unresponsive pitches has drawn comparisons to a lion, a moniker bestowed by assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate. “I think we sort of take for granted how lucky we are to have someone like that. In terms of heart, he’s like a lion,” ten Doeschate said, emphasizing Siraj’s ability to create something out of nothing whenever he has the ball.
Siraj’s performance in the second Test at Edgbaston was particularly noteworthy. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, he stepped up with a six-wicket haul in the first innings, finishing with seven wickets in the match. His fiery send-offs and relentless line and length kept England’s batsmen on edge, showcasing his competitive spirit. This ability to lead the attack in Bumrah’s absence highlights Siraj’s growing stature as a key player in the IND vs ENG series.
The Workload Conundrum
While Siraj’s commitment is unquestionable, his workload has become a topic of intense discussion. Since 2023, he has bowled 569.4 overs in 24 of India’s 27 Test matches, more than any other Indian fast bowler and only behind Australia’s Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc globally. In the IND vs ENG series alone, he has shouldered 109 overs, 23 more than any other Indian pacer. This relentless workload, while a testament to his durability, raises concerns about his long-term fitness.
Former India batter Aakash Chopra highlighted this issue, noting that Siraj’s 792.5 overs since 2023 place him third among fast bowlers worldwide, behind only Cummins (871.3) and Starc (856.2). “If you look at it from a captain’s perspective, many times in Tests, you look towards your bowlers, and fast bowlers turn their backs at times. Mohammed Siraj is not one of them,” Chopra said, underscoring Siraj’s willingness to bowl long spells. However, this selflessness necessitates careful management to prevent burnout or injury.
Ryan ten Doeschate echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to balance Siraj’s enthusiasm with his physical well-being. “He’s not someone who’s going to shy away from workload, so it makes it even more important for us to manage his workload and make sure that he’s at least fit to give his best,” he said. The IND vs ENG series, with its tight schedule and high-intensity matches, has put this issue into sharp focus, especially with the fourth Test at Manchester looming as a do-or-die encounter.
The Arshdeep Injury and Team Strategy
The team’s planning for the Manchester Test was further complicated by an injury to left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who suffered a cut on his bowling hand during a training session in Beckenham. Ten Doeschate revealed that Arshdeep’s injury, which may require stitches, has disrupted India’s bowling combination plans. “We’ll make that call closer to Manchester,” he said, indicating that Siraj and Bumrah will likely shoulder the bulk of the pace attack.
With England leading the IND vs ENG series 2-1, India faces a must-win situation at Old Trafford. The potential absence of Arshdeep, combined with the team’s cautious approach to Bumrah’s workload—he is set to play only three of the five Tests—places even more responsibility on Siraj. The eight-day gap between the third and fourth Tests offers some respite, but the team management must carefully calibrate Siraj’s involvement to ensure he remains effective.
Siraj’s Role in the Broader Context
Siraj’s contributions extend beyond his wicket-taking ability. His energy and aggression on the field galvanize the team, creating a sense of momentum that is invaluable in high-pressure situations. In the IND vs ENG series, his ability to bowl long spells and maintain intensity has been crucial, especially on flatter pitches where bowlers have struggled. His performance at Lord’s, where he claimed crucial wickets in England’s second innings, kept India in the hunt despite their eventual 22-run defeat.
Comparisons with England’s Ben Stokes, who bowled 19.2 overs in a single day at Lord’s, have surfaced, but ten Doeschate dismissed such parallels, noting that each bowler has unique strengths. “We’re not here to compare our bowlers to individuals from other teams. We know what particularly Jasprit does in shorter spells, which he prefers bowling in,” he said, while acknowledging Siraj’s ability to thrive in longer spells. This distinction underscores Siraj’s role as the workhorse who complements Bumrah’s explosive bursts.
The Unsung Hero
Despite his stellar contributions, Siraj often flies under the radar, overshadowed by the likes of Bumrah, whose express pace and five-wicket hauls grab headlines. Aakash Chopra pointed out this disparity, noting that Siraj’s efforts are sometimes undervalued because he shares the dressing room with an “all-time great” like Bumrah. “Not all bowlers might be as skilful as Bumrah, and at times, when you are with Bumrah, you aren’t noticed despite being skilful,” Chopra said, drawing parallels to players who played alongside legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
Yet, Siraj’s impact is undeniable. His 13 wickets in the IND vs ENG series, coupled with his relentless spirit, have made him the “silent workhorse” of the Indian team. His ability to bounce back after a lackluster performance in the first Test at Headingley—where he took 2/122 and 0/51—demonstrates his resilience and adaptability. In the second Test, he led the attack with authority, proving that he is more than just a supporting act to Bumrah.
Looking Ahead: Manchester and Beyond
As India prepares for the fourth Test at Old Trafford, the focus will be on Siraj and Bumrah to deliver in a must-win game. The rain forecast and overcast conditions at Manchester may favor swing bowling, potentially easing the burden on Siraj, but his workload remains a critical factor. The team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, must strike a delicate balance between leveraging Siraj’s lion-hearted approach and preserving his fitness for the final Test at The Oval.
Siraj’s contributions in the IND vs ENG series are a testament to his growth as a bowler and his importance to the Indian team. His journey from a tennis-ball cricketer to an honorary Deputy Superintendent of Police in Hyderabad reflects his remarkable ascent. As India aims to level the series, Siraj’s relentless spirit will be a key weapon, provided his workload is managed effectively.
Mohammed Siraj embodies the heart and soul of India’s pace attack. His lion-hearted performances, coupled with his willingness to shoulder the toughest workloads, make him an indispensable asset in the IND vs ENG series. As the team navigates the challenges of the Manchester Test, Sircan’s role as the silent workhorse will be pivotal. With careful management, India can continue to rely on their lion to roar on the global stage.
