Former India opener and renowned analyst Aakash Chopra couldn’t hold back his admiration for Mohammed Siraj after the pacer’s sensational performance in the second Test against England at Edgbaston. Siraj delivered a high-octane spell on Day 3, picking up 6 for 70 in 19.3 overs, including the prized scalps of Joe Root and Ben Stokes off successive balls — the latter falling for a golden duck, a first in his Test career.

Chopra lauded Siraj’s intensity and passion, calling him the kind of bowler who always gives everything for his team, regardless of conditions.

“With Miyan Magic, one thing’s certain — he bowls his heart out every single time. Whether he’s taking wickets or not, he doesn’t back off. His commitment, aggression, and consistency in attitude are mind-boggling and heartwarming,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

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On a pitch that offered little to the pacers, Siraj’s relentless energy and discipline stood out. He led India’s charge as they bowled England out for 407, gaining a hefty 180-run lead after posting 587 in their first innings. Siraj’s dismissals of Root and Stokes were game-changing moments, and Chopra emphasized how the pacer had England’s captain “in his pocket” now.

However, Aakash Chopra also expressed concern over Siraj’s omission from India’s Champions Trophy squad. “You talk about workload management, but here’s someone who’s bowled across all formats, put in the hard yards, and yet was left out. That hurt. He deserves better,” Chopra said.

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He further noted that while Siraj was unlucky at Headingley, he didn’t let it impact his effort. “Sometimes you need luck for those catches down the leg. This time, the luck was there — but so was the heart, the grit, and the fight. Miyan Magic is special, and India must manage him carefully,” Chopra concluded.

With India ahead by 244 runs and Siraj breathing fire, his spell might just be the defining turning point in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.