Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has urged Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill to ensure Mohammed Siraj receives the care and recognition he deserves.
His remarks came after the pacer's match-winning performance in the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at the Oval.
Siraj played a pivotal role in India’s thrilling six-run victory, claiming nine wickets in the series decider, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings, to help level the five-match series 2–2. Ashwin, who announced his retirement from international cricket in December 2024, noted that Siraj’s efforts have often been underappreciated in the past. With 23 wickets in the series, Siraj emerged as the leading wicket-taker, and Ashwin believes it is time the fast bowler receives the recognition he deserves.
“We failed to recognise Mohammed Siraj. The time has come to recognise him now. He once again put his hand up; he has given a compelling reason. Just look at his celebration, it seems as if he is saying, 'This is not the trailer. This is the main picture itself'. He is saying, ‘Please consider me as a match winner'. ’ He is reminding us what a champion bowler he is. His bowling action, his technique and good work ethic are allowing him to play all five Tests in a series,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel.
“He is also growing old. It is important for the team management to rest him as well from inconsequential matches. He could be your No.1 Test bowler; he could be your go-to Test bowler. We have to rebuild the bowling attack. Akash Deep is there, Prasidh Krishna is there, Arshdeep Singh is there. Around Mohammed Siraj and his experience, we have to build it,” he added.
Siraj was the real instrument to level the series: Ashwin
The Hyderabad-born pacer bowled a staggering 187 overs during the England tour, the most by any bowler in the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Siraj endured his share of setbacks, including the visible dejection following India’s 22-run defeat at Lord’s in the third Test after he lost his wicket. He also dropped a crucial catch of Harry Brook on Day 4 of the Oval Test, which proved costly as the batter went on to score 111 runs after being dropped at 19. However, Siraj redeemed himself, stepping up when it mattered most. On Day 5, he claimed three of the final four wickets to seal a dramatic six-run victory for India.
“Let's celebrate Siraj. He is the leading wicket-taker in the series. Dinesh Karthik interviewed him on Day 4, and then he interviewed him after the match had ended. He was his translator as well. But in the interview he had with Siraj, he was just asking questions in English. He knows all about him. In the T20 World Cup, Siraj said 'We believe in Jassi Bhai'. But today, not Jassi Bhai, Miyan Bhai was the real instrument to level this series. Without Jasprit Bumrah, we have drawn this series. Siraj has led the attack,” said Ashwin.
“Cricketing gods have been fair to Siraj. Despite getting it wrong at times, he never stops running in. It is very easy for someone playing all the Tests to say, 'I am tired. I am having pain'. He is always there on the field; he never goes outside. Cricketing gods recognise these things. Very well deserved. It is very hard to find players like Siraj. Players like Siraj don't come easily, especially from India. He is the first of his kind. Mohammed Siraj, for his pure attitude, is a once-in-a-generation cricketer,” he added.
