Trisha Ghosal in Sydney
Mohammed Siraj’s meteoric rise in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21, where he emerged as India’s bowling spearhead amid an injury crisis, is etched in Indian cricket folklore. His ability to extract bounce, move the ball both ways, and bowl tirelessly with unrelenting aggression made him a revelation. Fast forward to the BGT 2024-25, and Siraj entered the series with high expectations as India’s second pacer behind Jasprit Bumrah. Yet, his performance oscillated between moments of brilliance and periods of frustration.
The issue wasn’t a lack of effort. It was consistency. Siraj’s career trajectory and current struggles reflect both his overwork and the Indian team management’s failure to harness his strengths effectively.
Workload Management: The Elephant in the Room
Siraj has bowled an exhausting 671.5 overs in international cricket since 2023—more than any other Indian bowler, surpassing even Bumrah by more than 100 overs. This relentless workload, especially in Mohammed Shami’s absence, has turned Siraj into a workhorse rather than the incisive strike bowler he was in 2021.
Fatigue affects not only the body but also the mind. In Siraj’s case, the lack of rhythm and occasional inconsistency can largely be attributed to mental and physical exhaustion. Australian pacer Pat Cummins highlighted a similar challenge during a busy international calendar, saying, “When you’re overworked, your focus wavers. The skill lies in managing your energy while staying sharp.”
The Indian team’s reluctance to rest Siraj stems from their reliance on him as a reliable second-choice pacer. But over-reliance can break even the most resilient athletes, as seen with Andrew Flintoff’s chronic injuries during England’s heaviest bowling schedules.
For the Latest Sports News: Click Here
The Scott Boland Comparison: Learning From “Scotty B”
Scott Boland is not as naturally gifted as Siraj but has been Australia’s most dependable Test bowler recently, owing to his unwavering consistency. Boland focuses on relentlessly hitting the top of off stump and building pressure, even in unfriendly conditions. Siraj has the ability to do the same but lacks the mental discipline to sustain it across spells.
Boland’s consistency is a product of meticulous planning and a structured approach. He bowls limited overs at full intensity, adhering to the workload management program employed by Cricket Australia. India needs to adopt a similar strategy for Siraj, giving him strategic breaks to maintain his effectiveness.
Mental Recalibration: The Kohli-Bumrah Factor
Some athletes thrive in solitude, while others perform better with external guidance. Siraj belongs to the latter category. His best spells in the BGT 2024-25 came in the Perth Test (5/71), Melbourne’s second innings, and Sydney’s first innings—periods where Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli were seen constantly talking to him between deliveries.
Siraj’s reliance on constant feedback isn’t a weakness but a characteristic of his personality. As former Australian captain Ricky Ponting once said about Shane Warne, “Even the best need reassurance sometimes, especially when things aren’t going their way.”
The Indian team management must recognise that Siraj thrives on tactical guidance. A senior bowler like Bumrah or even a captain like Rohit Sharma needs to consistently reinforce plans to Siraj while he bowls, ensuring he stays on track and doesn’t lose focus.
The Path Forward: Rest, Recharge, Reassess
- Strategic Rest Periods: Siraj must be rested in upcoming series to recover both physically and mentally. The IPL and white-ball series should see limited participation from him, ensuring he is fresh for Test cricket.
- Role Clarification: The team management must define Siraj’s role. Whether he is an enforcer or a stock bowler needs to be clear to him, enabling him to tailor his plans accordingly.
- Guided Bowling Sessions: Regular tactical sessions with bowling coaches and senior players can help Siraj internalise consistency drills. England’s James Anderson credits his longevity to constant mentorship from senior figures during his formative years.
- Targeted Bowling Plans: Assign Siraj specific plans for each batter, which can be reiterated by mid-on/mid-off fielders during matches. This approach will keep him mentally engaged and focused.
Siraj’s dip in form is not a reflection of his capability but a consequence of overwork and inconsistent man-management. India’s approach must pivot to nurturing him as a strike weapon rather than overburdening him. With careful workload management, tactical guidance, and mental recalibration, Siraj can rediscover the magic that made him the hero of the 2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
India needs Siraj at his best—with the next WTC cycle starting in England with five test matches. As of now, we aren’t sure about Bumrah and Shami’s availability, but even if they are available, Siraj will play a decisive role in the series. India need him back at his best.
Also Read: After Australia disappointment, India must turn focus back to the white ball