In one of the most thrilling climaxes in modern Test cricket, Mohammed Siraj produced a spell of sheer determination and belief that etched his name into Indian cricket folklore. But before he unleashed that fury with the ball on Day 5 at The Oval, Siraj drew motivation from something deeply personal—a phone wallpaper that simply read “Believe.”
That one word became his guiding force. England needed just 35 runs with four wickets in hand. Siraj made sure they never got close. With Jasprit Bumrah sidelined, the weight of expectation fell squarely on Siraj’s shoulders. But the Hyderabad pacer—also holding the honorary title of Deputy Superintendent of Police in Telangana—embraced the challenge like a battle-hardened leader.
Mohammed Siraj picked up five wickets in the second innings and finished the Test with nine wickets in total, spearheading India’s incredible comeback. His early strikes on the final morning—dismissing Jamie Smith and trapping Overton—swung the momentum.
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Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson tried to wrest control, even as Woakes battled a dislocated shoulder. But Mohammed Siraj returned at the perfect moment, induced an edge from Atkinson, and sealed India’s six-run win. That victory not only squared the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2 but also reignited belief in India’s young brigade.
𝗦𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗷 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲! ❤️#MohammedSiraj opens up after #TeamIndia’s emphatic win in the final Test! 👑#ENGvIND #INDvENG
(Mohammed Siraj, Team India, 2-2) pic.twitter.com/7W1ZLdsnQC
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) August 4, 2025
SIRAJ SHOWING THE WALL-PAPER ON PHONE – CR 7, RONALDO…!!! 💥 pic.twitter.com/paClFlFHxT
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 4, 2025
After the match, Mohammed Siraj revealed that he had downloaded the “Believe” image before the day’s play, a quiet affirmation of his trust in the process and his own ability. It was more than a motivational quote—it was a mindset.
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This moment highlighted the power of manifestation—the art of believing, visualising, and achieving. Backed by neuroscience, this practice taps into imagination and focus, both crucial for success. Siraj’s story is a living example: belief shaped his actions, actions shaped the outcome, and the outcome inspired a nation. In cricket, as in life, belief can turn the improbable into the unforgettable.
