Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun has thrown his weight behind Mohammed Siraj, urging the pacer to step up as India’s lead bowler in the upcoming five-Test series against England, starting June 20. With Jasprit Bumrah unlikely to play all five matches due to workload management, Siraj will be expected to shoulder the responsibility of leading the pace attack in challenging English conditions.

Though Siraj had a quiet run in India’s recent Test series losses to New Zealand and Australia, Arun believes this is the perfect stage for the Hyderabad seamer to rediscover his spark and lead from the front. Drawing from Siraj’s past heroics, including his impactful spell during India’s memorable win at Lord’s in 2021, Arun is confident the right-arm pacer can rise to the occasion.

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“This is a golden opportunity for Siraj to stake his claim as India’s frontline bowler,” Bharat Arun told the Times of India. “He’s got the experience and has delivered match-winning spells in the past. The Lord’s Test performance is a great example of what he’s capable of.”

He further added, ‘He needs to now put his hand up and say, ‘I’m going to lead this attack.’ He’s got the skills — it’s about getting into the right mindset. Siraj is smart, gives his all, and is a captain’s delight. He’s had a good IPL and looks in good rhythm.”

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Since September 2024, Mohammed Siraj has picked up 26 wickets in nine Tests at an average of 33.73. He impressed during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with 20 wickets from five games but often lacked support from the other end. Now, with India ushering in a new chapter under captain Shubman Gill, the team will be counting on Siraj to provide consistency, control, and breakthroughs — attributes crucial for success on English soil.