Mohammed Siraj drew strong inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo, especially from Ronaldo's mindset of belief and resilience.
He delivered a match-winning
performance in the 5th Test between India and England at The Oval in 2025, playing a pivotal role in one of India's narrowest and most dramatic Test wins. On the final day, Siraj took a five-wicket haul, including three crucial wickets that broke key partnerships and swung momentum in India's favor. His accurate and relentless pace bowling under pressure was critical in restricting England, enabling India to clinch the match by just 6 runs, thereby leveling the series 2-2.
Before India's dramatic win over England at The Oval in the 5th Test of 2025, Siraj started his day by downloading a wallpaper of Cristiano Ronaldo with the word "Believe" emblazoned across it and made it his phone background. This became his mantra throughout the match, fueling his confidence and determination to perform for his country.
Siraj credited this "Believe" mentality, which he associated with Ronaldo's relentless work ethic, resilience, and consistency, as a key motivator behind his heroics at the Oval.
"I usually wake up at 8, but today I woke up at 6am. I told myself I can do it today. I went on Google and searched for this image," Siraj said at the post-match press conference and lifted his mobile phone to reveal his wallpaper, which had a Ronaldo image in it with the word 'Believe'.
I downloaded the image, and made it the wallpaper. So belief is very important," he added.
Belief was indeed crucial as the India pacer came back strongly with his bowling, especially after dropping the centurion Harru Brook on Sunday (August 3) when he was just batting on 19. Siraj ended up claiming 9 wickets in the match, and thus won the player of the match award as well.
Additionally, Siraj celebrated his final wicket with Ronaldo's iconic "Siuuu" celebration, reflecting how deeply Ronaldo's spirit and winning attitude inspire him on the field.
