If you’ve followed Indian cricket over the last two years, one name that can’t be missed is Mohammad Siraj. From breakthroughs in tight matches to leading the attack on foreign soil, Siraj’s story has been nothing short of sensational. Let’s take a closer look at his performances in Test cricket from mid-2023 to August 2025—and why he’s now considered one of India’s go-to fast bowlers.
Full-Throttle Action in 2023
The stage for Siraj’s dominance was set in 2023. That year, he played in 11 Test matches and bagged 15 wickets. With a best bowling figure of 5/60 in a single innings and an average of 31.8, Siraj was instrumental in creating chances and breaking partnerships. His ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver with raw pace troubled even seasoned batters. While the raw numbers may not leap off the page, those who watched him bowl can attest to the pressure he exerted, especially in critical overseas assignments.
Turning the Tide: 2024 and Beyond
It was 2024 and 2025 that truly catapulted Siraj into the limelight. By the end of July 2025, he’d played a total of 41 Test matches in his career, and in this two-year span specifically, his wicket haul and influence increased noticeably. The most shining example came during the 2024/25 England Test series, especially in the dramatic 5th Test at The Oval.
- Oval Magic: In this now-famous Test, India’s back was against the wall on the final day. England needed just 35 runs with four wickets in hand. Enter Siraj—the Hyderabad pacer ripped through the English lower order, picking up a five-wicket haul and finishing with nine wickets in the match. This spell not only clinched the match for India by six runs but also helped India level the series 2-2, with Siraj ending as the leading wicket-taker—23 wickets in five matches.
- Breaking Records: Siraj also surpassed some mighty names in Indian cricket by becoming the joint-leading Indian wicket-taker in an away Test series in England, matching Jasprit Bumrah’s feat of 23 wickets in the 2021-22 tour. His overall tally in England also overtook Kapil Dev’s record, putting him among the top Indian quicks in that country’s history.
A Numbers Game: Siraj in Stats
Here’s a snapshot of his Test performances over the last two years:
- Matches Played (2023–mid-2025): 24+
- Wickets Taken: 50+
- Five-Wicket Hauls: 2
- Best Match Figures: 9/190 at The Oval, 2025
- Average and Economy: Consistently around 30-33, with an economy rate rarely crossing 3.5 per over
- Crucial Contributions: Stepping up in high-pressure chases and turning matches on their head with quick breakthroughs
Not Just a Bowler, But a Match-Winner
What sets Siraj apart is not just the wickets, but the context. His wickets came at crunch moments—either breaking long partnerships or bulldozing the lower order when the match was hanging in the balance. His energy, aggression, and ability to bowl long spells continuously kept his captain’s faith unwavering.
The Emotional Connect
Siraj’s journey over these two years wasn’t just about numbers; it was about grit. He bowled with passion, often wearing his emotions on his sleeve. Fans and teammates alike celebrated his every wicket, knowing the struggle and commitment behind each delivery. Whether it was the animated celebrations after castle-ling a batter or turning up with even more fire after a dropped catch or fielding lapse, Siraj showed he was always ready for the battle.
What’s Next?
As India looks ahead, Mohammad Siraj stands tall as a beacon for aspiring cricketers. In an era when Indian pace bowling stocks are at an all-time high, Siraj’s place is more than secure—he’s among the first names on the team sheet, a leader who inspires with every run-up.
Whether you’re a cricket buff or a casual viewer, keep your eyes on Mohammad Siraj. If the last two years have shown us anything, it’s that every game could see him script a new chapter in Indian cricket history.
