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India’s 31-year-old pacer, Mohammed Siraj emerged out of Jasprit Bumrah’s shadows on England soil as the visitors levelled the series 2-2. On a spicy wicket at The Kennington Oval, India had three pacers in the lineup. As Indian pacers toiled hard on Day 4 with Joe Root and Harry Brook crossing three figures, the workload topic was floated once again. But, India made a comeback late into Day 4. It was followed by a scintillating one-hour performance on Day 5 to win the Test by six runs. As Siraj was named ‘Player of the match’ for his five-wicket haul, everyone was ecstatic at his home in Hyderabad. His brother, Mohammed Ismail, said the atmosphere at home was ecstatic. He also revealed his conversation with his brother.
"We are feeling very proud. India's victory and Siraj's performance gave double happiness," Ismail told Indian Today in an exclusive interaction.
"Yes, I spoke to him just a while ago. I congratulated him on behalf of my whole family. He was very, very happy. He was on the bus with the team, on their way to the hotel. He said, 'Bhai, I'm really tired. My body is totally exhausted.' But still, he wants to win matches for the country."
Ismail had his brother who has had “Jigar” since childhood whether it is tennis ball cricket as a teenager or season ball cricket which he shifted to a decade ago.
"He was the same while playing tennis ball cricket. He had not played leather ball till 2015, but he always had a never-say-die attitude," Ismail said.
Siraj, an ardent Ronaldo fan
While Siraj's emotional statement – “I only believe in Jassi (Jasprit Bumrah) bhai” – went viral after India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, he has always had belief in himself. He is a huge Cristiano Ronaldo fan, often evident from his ‘Siuuu’ celebration.
"There is a poster of 'Believe' in the house, and Siraj considers Ronaldo as his idol. Ronaldo is a big source of his inspiration," Ismail said.
The Kohli effect on Siraj
Ismail also credited former India captain Virat Kohli for Siraj’s evolution as a pacer. Kohli had backed Siraj at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He got emotional when he bowled for Gujarat Titans (GT) to his former RCB teammate Kohli in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
"Virat Bhaiya supported Siraj a lot in the beginning. In 2018, when Siraj's IPL performance was not good, Virat encouraged him," Ismail said.
Snubbed from Champions Trophy 2025 squad but routine remained the same
Earlier this year, Siraj could not find a place in India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad after the Test series loss on Australian soil. However, he was not bogged down by the snub and continued to work hard on his fitness, even avoiding biriyani when he is at home.
"He avoids junk food, takes care of his diet. Even while living in Hyderabad, he rarely eats biryani," he said.
“He was not disappointed even after not being selected in the Champions Trophy. He worked harder on his fitness and practice. Siraj told me on the phone that he is ready to do better for the country," he concluded.
Siraj ended the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 as the highest wicket-taker. He is likely to be seen in action when India go to UAE to defend their Asia Cup title.
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