Regardless of Jasprit Bumrah’s presence, former Indian head coach Greg Chappell believes Mohammed Siraj has the potential to become the cornerstone of the Test bowling attack. With 23 wickets in nine innings, Siraj finished as the top wicket-taker in the just concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025.
Chappell used the several games in which Siraj has performed well with the ball in away Tests to support his claims.
“To be honest, he has given some excellent performances at the MCG, the Gabba, Perth, Lord’s, Cape Town, and Birmingham in the past, but his performance at The Oval was his real maturation. He is prepared to lead Gill’s attack both spiritually and practically, with or without Bumrah,” Chappell stated in an ESPNcricinfo piece.
Siraj finished as a bowler who was driven and committed: Chappell
The former Australian cricket player described Siraj’s transformation from a mere player to a leader.
He bowled like a man who was possessed, but he also knew how to pace himself and recognise the important moments. The progression, more than the enormous amount of work, was what most impressed me. He began as a passionate bowler. He was a passionate and purposeful bowler at the finish. That’s what separates a leader from a player,” Chappell said.
“Despite the numerous outstanding batting performances, I don’t think it is unfair to claim that Siraj was the primary factor in India’s competitiveness throughout the series. It takes a lot of physical, mental, and emotional energy to bowl more than 185 (185.3) overs in five Test matches over six weeks under any circumstances. It’s almost heroic to do so with constant vigour while carrying the assault for extended periods of time without Jasprit Bumrah,” he said.
The only Indian bowler to appear in all five of the series’ Test matches was Siraj. After their six-run victory at the Oval, India went on to win the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2.
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