Mohammed Siraj bowled India to a sensational win over England at The Oval, sealing a six-run victory on the final day of the fifth Test. Siraj, who picked nine wickets in the match, responded to Dale Steyn’s earlier prediction with a perfect five-wicket haul in the second innings. He also received glowing praise from Virat Kohli, who has long mentored him.
While rain interrupted play on Day 4, India’s pacers—Siraj and Prasidh Krishna—returned on Day 5 to script a memorable win. Siraj emerged as the series’ highest wicket-taker with 23 scalps, redefining pace bowling endurance.
Rain, Drama, and a Perfect Final Push
As the last day approached, the Test was evenly distributed. England had four wickets remaining and just needed 35 runs. But Siraj and Prasidh Krishna had other plans. Under overcast skies and drizzle, they consistently touched the 140kph mark. Their intensity rattled the English lower order.
Siraj, who took four wickets in the first innings, sealed the match by dismantling Gus Atkinson’s stumps. That final blow completed his second-innings five-for and left England stunned. His match figures read 9/190—easily one of the best spells by an Indian pacer in recent memory.
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Steyn’s Prediction and Siraj’s Heartfelt Reply
Before the match, Dale Steyn had confidently predicted that Siraj would grab a five-wicket haul on The Oval’s green deck. Siraj came back stronger in the second innings after missing it by a slim margin in the first.
Following the victory, he sent a straightforward but impactful statement in response to Steyn’s previous post: “You asked. I produced. Thank you so much for attending. The mutual regard between two fast-bowling artists—one a legend, the other sculpting his legacy—was evident in this encounter.
Kohli’s Faith, Siraj’s Loyalty
Virat Kohli, the man who spotted Siraj’s potential and backed him through tough times, didn’t hold back. On X, he wrote: “Special mention to Siraj who will put everything on the line for the team.”
Siraj responded in his typical humble fashion: “Thank you bhaiya for believe-ing in me.” That misspelling wasn’t an error—it was a glimpse of raw emotion. A fast bowler’s gratitude to a mentor who never gave up on him.
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Workload Doesn’t Break Him, It Makes Him
Siraj’s series wasn’t just about wickets. It was about stamina and sacrifice. He bowled 1,113 deliveries across five Tests—more than any other pacer. He never complained. Instead, he led the attack when Jasprit Bumrah was rotated or rested.
In an era where fast bowlers often rest due to workload management, Siraj chose to endure. He picked 23 wickets at 32.43—not flashy numbers, but numbers that won India the series.
Siraj proved that mental resilience and physical toughness still matter. He isn’t a loud character. But when it counted most, he roared the loudest.
From Support Act to Main Man
Mohammed Siraj has finally stepped out of the shadows. He used to be Bumrah’s sidekick, but now he controls the stage. Talent wasn’t the only factor in this victory. It has to do with devotion, passion, and grit. Siraj did more than simply bowl India to victory at The Oval. Millions of people fell in love with him.
