The Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj has certainly become an integral part of team India and his role becomes more important in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence because then he is the one who has to lead the Indian pace attack.
Siraj was going through a rough phase for quite some time but now he is back in form and in the ongoing Lord’s test match against England, he has given some important breakthroughs to his team and because of the same, not just Indian former cricketers but many other former cricketers from across the globe were impressed with him.
Kevin Pietersen, former England cricketer and one of the sport’s most outspoken voices, had high praise for Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj following his standout performance during the third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Lord’s. Reflecting on Siraj’s efforts, Pietersen described him as a “captain’s dream”, emphasising how the pacer puts his heart into every ball he delivers, never holding back for the team.
Siraj’s influence in the match was evident in both the innings. In the first, he made key breakthroughs by dismissing half-centurions Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse, halting England’s momentum at crucial moments. But it was his second innings performance that truly turned heads. On an emotionally-charged Day 4, Siraj brought an electric intensity to India’s attack, removing top-order batters Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, helping bowl out the hosts for merely 192 runs.
Kevin Pietersen, sharing his thoughts on social media platform X, admitted that he’s been an admirer of Siraj for a while. He admired not just the bowler’s skills but also his emotional energy, stating that Siraj plays with his heart on his sleeve and pours everything into each delivery.
Here is what KP tweeted, “I really like and have liked Siraj for a while as a cricketer. Wears his heart on his sleeve and gives absolutely everything he has to every delivery he bowls. A captains dream!”
https://x.com/KP24/status/1944421537836400736
This intensity has long been a defining trait of Siraj’s game, reminiscent of his first captain Virat Kohli. He thrives on confrontation, often using sledging and verbal exchanges to raise his performance levels. That aspect of his personality was once again on display during this Test, especially during a dramatic moment at the end of Day 3. Zak Crawley tried to stall play to avoid facing more than one over before Stumps, triggering an intense response from the Indian camp. While Shubman Gill confronted Crawley and Duckett with finger-pointing and chest-thumping, Siraj joined the verbal fray from the field.
Mohammed Siraj’s fiery spirit did not end there. After dismissing Ben Duckett on Day 4, he celebrated aggressively, standing in front of the batter and shouting, even brushing shoulders with him in the process. This act drew the attention of the umpires who warned him on the field and he may face an ICC reprimand if the contact is ruled intentional.
Further incidents during the match saw Siraj visibly frustrated with umpiring decisions, even appearing to stare down the officials on a few occasions when decisions did not go India’s way.
Despite the controversy, there’s no denying that Siraj has found form again. After facing criticism for his showing in the first Test at Headingley, the pacer seems to have regained his rhythm and confidence.
Going forward, his challenge will be to maintain his high-energy approach while also steering clear of disciplinary troubles. With his passion, pace and now praise from legends like Kevin Pietersen, Siraj continues to be a vital force in India’s bowling arsenal.
