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On August 4, Mohammed Siraj made up for the boundary faux pas and preyed on England’s lower order to lead India to a famous six-run win and level the five-Test series 2-2. Siraj bowled the most number of overs in the series and was the only Indian bowler to play all five Tests. After the series-equalling win, legendary India batter Sunil Gavaskar said that the ‘workload’ word needs to be erased from Indian cricket dictionary forever.
"Mohammed Siraj debunked forever this business of workload. I hope that the workload word gets taken out of Indian cricket dictionary. For 5 Test matches, non-stop he has bowled 7-8 over spells, because the captain wanted him and the country expected of him," Gavaskar told India Today in the interview.
"And that is one thing I think people keep in mind that workload is a mental thing, not a physical thing and if you are going to succumb to people who are talking about workload then you are never going to have your best players on the field for your country," he added.
Before the series, it was announced that Jasprit Bumrah will play only three Tests as part of his workload management. After Day 4’s play, Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel said that the workload conversation was had with Siraj but the latter made it clear that he wants to play the fifth Test. Not just in Indian camp, England rested Jofra Archer for the fifth Test too in order to avoid any injury to him on return to Test cricket after four long years.
Gavaskar’s high praise for Pant
Gavaskar hailed India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant as well. Pant had walked out to bat in the Manchester Test despite a broken toe. He completed his half-century in the first innings. The former Indian opener also likened the cricketers to jawans on the border as they don’t complain about aches and pains.
"When you are playing for your country, forget the aches and the pains. On the border, do you think that the jawans are complaining about cold? Here in cricket, give your best for the country, don't worry about the aches and pains. What did Rishabh Pant show you? He came out to bat with a fracture. That is what you expect from the players," Gavaskar said.
After the six-run win, Siraj was asked the question about his workload in the post-match press conference as well. The 31-year-old said that he just wants to do it for his country and not think about himself.
"Playing cricket in India is an honour. You are representing 140 crore people and that is what we saw in Mohammed Siraj," the 76-year-old concluded.
Siraj’s astonishing numbers in Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025
Siraj was named 'Player of the match' for his gritty performance. He finished as the highest wicket-taker in the series. From three Tests, he claimed 23 wickets at an average of 32.43, including two five-wicket hauls. He bowled a total of 185.3 overs, 27 deliveries more than England's Chris Woakes.
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