Mohammed Siraj has consistently performed well in Jasprit Bumrah's absence, particularly in the game's longest format. With his unwavering enthusiasm and
ability to get movement off the field, Siraj excelled in both difficult domestic and international tours. Even without their best fast bowler, India was able to maintain their competitiveness thanks to his aggression and consistency.
On that note, here is a look at five instances when Mohammed Siraj shone in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah in Tests.
Here are the 5 times Mohammed Siraj shone in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence:
1. 3/20 and 1/67 vs Bangladesh, Chattogram Test, 2022
Mohammed Siraj led India's pace attack against Bangladesh in the first Test match in 2022 when Jasprit Bumrah was rested because of a back ailment. He gave India an early advantage with the new ball, dismissing Litton Das, Zakir Hasan, and Najmul Shanto, bringing Bangladesh down to 56/4. India bowled out Bangladesh for 150 in the first innings, in response to their 404, thanks to Siraj's scorching 3/20 in the first innings.
His first-innings explosion was sufficient to give India the lead, even if he only managed 1/67 in the Bangladesh second innings. The game was won easily by India by a margin of 188 runs. On a slow pitch, Siraj's precision and precise seam movement were crucial.
2. 5/73 vs Australia, Brisbane Test, 2021
Playing just his third Test, Mohammed Siraj came through magnificently in the series finale at the Gabba in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21, where India were missing Jasprit Bumrah and many other seniors due to injuries. Siraj claimed 5/73 in the second innings, which included the vital dismissals of Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Starc Starc and Josh Hazlewood as Australia waere dismissed for 294.
India, who were chasing 328, achieved a historic victory thanks to the heroics of Rishabh Pant. With 13 wickets, Siraj ended the series as India's leading wicket-taker. India's victory at a ground where Australia had not lost since 1988 was largely due to his gutsy bowling.
3. 6/70 vs England, Edgbaston Test, 2025
Mohammed Siraj led the way in the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 at Edgbaston, taking 6/70 in England's first innings as Jasprit Bumrah was rested as part of his workload management. Using reverse swing and unrelenting accuracy, Siraj raced through the middle and lower order, claiming the wickets of Zak Crawley, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Josh Tongue, and Brydon Carse as England were bowled out for 407.
India had scored 587 in their first innings and Siraj's ferocious performance handed them a vital 180-run lead. Siraj's six-wicket haul was a tremendous demonstration of the pacer's bravery and provided a solid foundation for India's historic 336-run victory, which was their first Test victory at the venue.
4. 5/60 vs. West Indies, Trinidad Test, 2023
Mohammed Siraj took five wickets in the second Test at Port of Spain, helping India push for a series victory. Virat Kohli has scored 121 to help India reach 438. Then, Siraj's 5/60 in the first innings destroyed West Indies as they were bowled out for 25.
Even though the match finished in a stalemate due to rain, India dominated the entire time they were on the field. On a slow pitch, Siraj's disciplined lines and reverse swing were crucial. His vital contribution earned him the rightful title of Player of the Match.
5. 4/86 vs England, Oval Test, 2025
Mohammed Siraj maintained his impressive form in the first innings of England's fifth Test match at The Oval in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 series, registering figures of 4/86. He dismissed Eng;and's stand-in skipper Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Jacob Bethell, shattering the back of England's top order. In response to India's 224, his spell helped his team in limiting England to 247.
Following a strong opening partnership, Mohammed Siraj, who is playing his fifth Test in this series, kept things under control and made important breakthroughs. Despite a strong English start, the pressure created by him ensured that India stayed in the competition. He demonstrated once more that he was capable of spearheading the assault without Bumrah.
