Team India head coach Ravi Shastri couldn’t hide his delight as Mohammed Siraj delivered a match-winning spell on Day 5 of the fifth Test against England at The Kia Oval. Watching Siraj knock over Gus Atkinson’s off-stump to complete a dramatic five-wicket haul and seal India’s thrilling six-run win, Shastri, speaking on air, quipped with a grin, “Siraj won’t remain Deputy Superintendent of Police now — he’s up for a higher promotion!”

The moment summed up Siraj’s gutsy and relentless performance throughout the match. Coming in as India’s pace spearhead, Siraj delivered under pressure, picking up five wickets in the second innings and finishing with a match haul of nine wickets. The Oval erupted in celebration as India levelled the five-match series 2–2 with one of their most memorable comebacks in recent years.

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Siraj, who was appointed as a DSP in Hyderabad last year, has since been affectionately nicknamed “DSP” by fans and teammates alike. But at The Oval, he went a step further — from officer to executioner, breaking England’s resistance with precision and heart.

Ravi Shastri has already promised Siraj a big promotion on the behalf of Hyderabad police 🤣🤣

— Akash (@Akashkumarjha14) August 4, 2025

Speaking after receiving the Player of the Match award, Mohammed Siraj revealed a small but meaningful ritual. “I had downloaded an image that said ‘believe’ on my phone. I looked at it this morning and told myself I could do it,” he said. “We’ve fought hard all series. My plan was simple — bowl in the right areas and build pressure.”

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With 23 wickets in the series — the most by any bowler — Siraj proved indispensable. He was also the only Indian fast bowler to play all five Tests, embodying resilience and reliability in every spell he bowled.