“He believes he can do anything in any situation, that’s why we call him Miyaan Magic” - Navdeep Saini lauds Mohammed Siraj [Exclusive]

Navdeep Saini

, who has played two Tests, eight ODIs, and 11 T20Is, was a part of India's squad which won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2020-21 against Australia. Despite injuries to several star players, a young and inexperienced Indian squad won the high-voltage series 2-1.

Saini shared his experiences from the iconic series. The right-arm pacer also shared his views about the workload management of fast bowlers in modern-day cricket. Saini also praised Mohammed Siraj, who played all five Tests

for India in the recently-concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

While Jasprit Bumrah played just three matches in the series, Siraj impressed the cricket fraternity with his determined and relentless spells against a strong England batting line-up. The Hyderabad pacer finished as the highest wicket-taker in the series, taking 23 scalps in five matches at an average of 32.43.

You’ve been part of historic series wins, like India’s 2020–21 tour of Australia. What was that experience like?

When the Border-Gavaskar Trophy began and we were bowled out for just 36 runs in the first match, none of us expected the series to unfold the way it eventually did. One positive, however, was the approach taken by coach Ravi Shastri sir. After that loss, when we had a meeting on the ground, his first instruction was clear: we would not dwell on the defeat. It had to happen once, and it did — now we move forward. From there, the series turned into something unforgettable.

After the first match, one player got injured, then another in the second, and yet another in the third. Despite these setbacks, we fought on and went on to win the series — a truly proud moment. What made it even more special was that 4–5 young players were making their debuts on that tour, and they all rose to the occasion. We lived every bit of that journey. Until the final match was won, it didn’t quite sink in. But the moment victory was ours, we realized — this was the moment we lived for. This was the real joy of the game.

What is your opinion on the ongoing debate about workload?

I think this is a very good thing - workload management. Earlier, cricket used to be different. Now it is different. I believe this. We play so many matches throughout the year. At this time, workload management is very important. Because we know that the player who is a match winner, after 2-3 matches, we can give him a break. Because in a team, there are 4-5 bowlers. All five bowlers don't play together. So, a player who is a match winner, can get a break after 2-3 matches, so that he can recover and win the next match.

The player who is not playing also gets a chance to win the match. I think this workload management is a very good thing. Because at the end of the day, we should know that we have to win the match. And who are our players who can win the match. And if you are making a team of 15, all your players are match winners. And the most important thing is how long we can serve India and win the match. That's why workload management is a very good thing.

We saw the England tour. Mohammed Siraj's performance in that series, in which he played in all five matches. What do you think about him? 

The main thing is I have been watching him since the beginning. We played together in India. I have been watching him closely. I know that he is a champion bowler and he believes in himself. He believes that he can do anything in any situation. That's why we call him Miyaan Magic.

The best thing about him is that he plays all the matches. And the second thing is that he gives his all in the first and last over. He believes in himself and his attitude is very good. That's why he looks different on the ground as well. He does bowling and we have seen him in fielding he catches the ball very well and gives his all for the team. That's why I think he is different. He has two good things. His attitude is very good and he believes in himself.

Rapid Fire – Navdeep Saini Edition - This or That:

Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma? - Virat bhaiyya

Wicket in the first over or in the death overs? -  First over

Test cricket or T20 cricket? - Test cricket

Bowling to Dhoni or bowling to AB de Villiers? - Bowling to Mahi bhaiyya

Yorker or bouncer? - Yorker

IPL trophy or Ranji Trophy win? - Both

India debut moment or IPL debut moment? - India debut

Bowling in Indian conditions or overseas pitches? - Overseas pitches

Facing pressure in a Super Over or the last over of a chase? - Super Over

Playing under Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni? - Virat bhaiyya, but I would like to experience playing under Mahi bhaiyya

'One Word, One Cricketer!'

Fearless - Virat bhaiyya

Stylish - Rishabh Pant

Speed - Navdeep Saini

Calm - Jasprit Bumrah

Genius - Jasprit Bumrah

Magician - Miyaan Magic

Fighter - Rishabh Pant

King - Virat bhaiyya

Clutch - Shubman Gill

Golden Arm - Jasprit Bumrah

Leader - Virat bhaiyya