Mohammed Siraj has firmly established himself as one of India’s premier fast bowlers in the longest format of the game. The 31-year-old Hyderabad pacer played all five Tests in both the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia and the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England, picking up 20 wickets Down Under and 23 wickets in England. His stellar performances at Birmingham and The Oval were crucial in helping India secure historic wins and level the series 2-2, highlighting his growing importance in the Indian pace attack.
Siraj’s recent displays were not just about wickets; his aggressive approach on the field also grabbed headlines. He engaged in several verbal duels with England stars Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Ben Duckett during the series. Speaking to RevSportz, Siraj credited his aggression and competitive edge to former India captain Virat Kohli, whom he regards as a mentor in cultivating a fighting spirit on the field.
“I’ve learnt one particular thing from Virat Kohli: treat opponents like enemies on the field but friends off it. That fighting approach is something I deeply admire. My bowling comes from aggression,” Mohammed Siraj explained.
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Siraj emphasized how he applied Kohli’s lessons to inspire his teammates during critical moments. “In that last Test at The Oval, when Brook and Root were building a partnership, we had a bit of a shoulder-dropping moment. I encouraged everyone, and we regained the upper hand with Root’s wicket. I’ve also learnt to use crowd support effectively—just like Virat does—which boosts a bowler’s confidence immensely.”
The Hyderabad pacer’s impact was undeniable in the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, where he claimed nine wickets overall—four in the first innings and five in the second—propelling India to a famous victory.
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With his lethal combination of skill, aggression, and mental toughness, Siraj has cemented his status as a key figure in India’s Test bowling line-up, with lessons from Kohli shaping him into a more complete and strategic fast bowler.
