Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has heaped praise on the team’s current pace spearhead, Mohammed Siraj, for his recent heroics in the England Test series. In the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, which ended in a 2-2 draw, Siraj played a key role in India’s success. He finished as the highest wicket-taker of the series with 23 scalps, bowling 185.3 overs across all five Tests.
In an exclusive interview with RevSportz, Pathan highlighted Siraj’s effort and resilience, calling it truly inspirational.
“If you look at the whole series, India played so much better than England. The numbers would have been different if things would’ve gone our way in terms of catches, batting collapses, partnerships and all. But the way they fought back in Birmingham and at The Oval, I think it was also one of the best series in Test cricket whose commentary panel I was a part of.”
Pathan also revealed a personal moment from the last Test, when he urged his son to watch Siraj bowl and explained the pacer’s remarkable journey.
“Also, from the point of view of where I was watching the last game at home, I actually called up my son – who was playing in his room – and asked him to watch Mohammed Siraj play. I told him how much that guy has struggled in his earlier days due to lack of facilities, which is quite similar to my situation. His father was an Auto Rikshaw driver. Siraj’s journey from there to where he has reached now is a journey-of-a-lifetime inspiration,” he further added.
The former all-rounder underlined how Siraj’s determination and intensity serve as an example for all youngsters.
“He has inspired youngsters irrespective of where they belong. When you see Mohammed Siraj bowl the kind of spell he bowled on the last day, you get inspired. His determination to not think about anything else, and just to make sure to win the game for the country, was what he did. Starting speed of 135 (kmph) to a speed of 145 on the fifth day of the fifth Test match is unbelievable. It shows the kind of effort that he has made for himself, his team and his country. I think it was the one of the best series we have played,” Pathan concluded.
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