Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has praised Mohammed Siraj after his match-winning performance in the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. Siraj took nine wickets in the match, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings, helping India win by six runs and level the series 2-2.
Ashwin, who retired from international cricket in December 2024 during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, said Siraj has often been overlooked.
“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.
Siraj’s workload – 185.3 overs in five Tests
Siraj bowled the most number of overs in the series — 185.3 — and ended as the leading wicket-taker with 23 wickets.
“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,” Ashwin added.
Ashwin concluded by urging everyone to celebrate Siraj.“Let’s celebrate 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.”
For latest sports updates: Follow RevSportz