After a series-saving five-wicket haul at the Kennington Oval, Mohammed Siraj was spotted learning a trend for an Instagram reel from fellow quick Arshdeep Singh.
It involved a nonchalant utterance of the words: “Pressure? What pressure?” Arshdeep then chided a bumbling Siraj, “He has to be taught everything besides bowling!”
He was right. With 23 wickets to his name, Siraj emerged as India’s leading wicket-taker in England, the joint most by an Indian seamer in a Test series in the country alongside Jasprit Bumrah (2021-22).
That searing trademark aggression which England had stared into time and again over the last 25 days was replaced by a big, toothy smile.
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Team India fielding coach T. Dilip hailed the fire in the Hyderabad pacer, attributing it to Siraj’s love for a good challenge.
“In most games I have seen featuring him – be it Ranji Trophy or with India – whenever there’s a challenge placed before him, he comes out on top. Hurdles get the best out of him, and the best way he tackles hard stuff is by bringing out that aggression,” he told Sportstar.
The 31-year-old shouldered a lion’s share of bowling duties, accounting for more than 183 overs in all.
“It’s never easy for any fast bowler to play all games while also being effective. The physical side is one thing, but it also comes down to mindset. Siraj plays with a lot of heart. He takes pride in representing India and always gives that extra 10%. It shows what a character he is,” Dilip said.
