New Delhi, Aug 26: In an era where workload management dominates conversations around fast bowling, Mohammed Siraj has emerged as a throwback to the old school.
The Indian pacer shouldered a staggering 186 overs across five bruising Test matches in the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, yet spoke of the feat with remarkable simplicity — for him, it was never about numbers, but about passion and pride in representing India.
Speaking candidly in an interaction with Boria Majumdar on Revsportz, the 30-year-old admitted even he was surprised by the volume of overs he sent down but insisted the thought of fatigue never crossed his mind.
“To be honest, I don’t know how I managed it,” Siraj said with a smile. “When you play for your country, you don’t think about what it might do to your body. You think only about the team and about making India proud.”
Playing for India is the ultimate dream
Siraj, who grew up in Hyderabad dreaming of donning the India jersey, framed his marathon effort as a fulfilment of childhood ambition rather than a burden.
“People like us have had one dream since childhood, and that is to play for India. When that opportunity comes, you have to grab it with both hands,” he said. “I believe in making the most of every chance to play and to win for the country.”
Even after 186 overs, Siraj was adamant he would not have hesitated if another Test had been added to the calendar.
“Hundred percent, I could have played even if there was another Test match,” he declared.
Embracing the grind of Test cricket
While fatigue and injuries are often cited as reasons for resting bowlers between series, Siraj said his love for the traditional format makes him embrace the grind rather than shy away from it.
“No, fatigue doesn’t matter to me,” he said firmly. “My priority is Test cricket. I can do anything for this format. I love the way it challenges you — mentally, emotionally, physically. Just like life, it throws struggles at you, and you find ways to overcome them.”
He explained that the resilience demanded in Tests mirrors real-life lessons.
“One bad spell doesn’t define you. In the next spell or the next innings, you can make a comeback. That’s the beauty of Test cricket — just like life, where every day gives you another chance to improve.
That’s why I enjoy it so much, and why I give my hundred percent without worrying too much about whether the performance is good or bad.”
Series of resilience and rewards
Siraj’s unyielding approach was backed by results. He finished as the leading wicket-taker in the series with 23 wickets at an average of just over 32, including two five-wicket hauls and one four-wicket performance. His spells often broke partnerships and shifted momentum in India’s favour, underlining why captain Rohit Sharma kept turning to him during crunch phases.
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, contested against England in punishing conditions, became a showcase of Siraj’s growth from a raw tearaway to a battle-hardened spearhead. His willingness to bowl long, testing spells not only highlighted his stamina but also his deep commitment to the longest format at a time when many prefer the shorter white-ball games.
A voice for Test cricket
Siraj’s comments arrive at a time when Test cricket’s relevance is under constant scrutiny in the age of T20 leagues and packed international schedules. His words — “I can do anything for Test cricket” — echo the sentiments of purists who continue to see the five-day game as the ultimate test of skill and character.
For India, his relentless energy has become a symbol of what the format still means to players who value the grind as much as the glory.
For Siraj, it remains personal. Test cricket is not just about wickets or overs. It is about honouring the dream of wearing the India cap and proving, again and again, that some things are worth every ounce of sweat. (Agencies)