Mohammed Siraj is all set to spearhead India’s pace attack alongside world No. 1 Test bowler Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa, beginning Friday, November 14, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The 31-year-old Hyderabad pacer, currently the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle, is eager to make a strong impact in what he believes is one of India’s most crucial home assignments this season.
Speaking on JioStar’s ‘Follow The Blues’, Mohammed Siraj stressed the significance of the series in shaping India’s early momentum in the new WTC campaign.
“This series is crucial for the new WTC cycle, especially since South Africa are the defending champions. They drew 1-1 with Pakistan recently, but we’ve carried great confidence from our performances in England and our series win against the West Indies,” he said.
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Mohammed Siraj added that he feels in excellent rhythm and sees the contest as a perfect opportunity to test himself against a strong side. “Facing tough teams always exposes areas to improve. I’m really excited for this challenge.”
Mohammed Siraj has been one of India’s most reliable red-ball performers this year, featuring in all eight Test matches. His most memorable outing against South Africa came in Cape Town last year, where he dismantled the hosts with a sensational 6 for 15 in the first innings, bowling them out for just 55 runs in 23.2 overs — a spell still talked about for its raw skill and discipline.
#Kolkata | Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj is confident of putting up a strong show against defending World Test Championship (WTC) winners South Africa in the “crucial” Test series beginning here on Friday.https://t.co/aTkfL7F6IY#MohammedSiraj
— Deccan Chronicle (@DeccanChronicle) November 11, 2025
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly also weighed in on the upcoming contest, calling it a demanding tour for the reigning WTC champions.
“The first Test in Kolkata is only days away, and this will be a tough tour for South Africa. Playing India in India is never easy. They’re powerful at home and equally competitive overseas. With both sides boasting quality talent, this is set to be a high-intensity contest,” Sourav Ganguly said.
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South Africa, who haven’t won a Test series in India since 2000, enter the tour after a 1-1 draw against Pakistan last month. India, meanwhile, will aim to build early dominance in the WTC standings with another strong home performance.
