Mohammed Siraj has become one of India’s shining stars during the five-match Test series in England.
While the series ended in a 2-2 draw, Siraj’s tireless energy and stamina to produce under pressure made him arguably India’s most valuable player across the 25-day contest.
Although he did not receive the “Player of the Series” award, the right-arm pacer was the heartbeat of India’s match. His fierce spells, boundless efficiency, and never-say-die attitude stood out. What was less visible, however, was the meticulous planning and preparation that went into ensuring he could sustain peak performance across all five Tests — a feat that remains a rarity for fast bowlers in modern cricket.
The journey began months earlier, when Siraj faced disappointment after not being included in India’s ICC Champions Trophy squad. At the time, the omission could have been seen as a setback for the seamer, but it quickly became the foundation for a bigger challenge. The decision allowed Siraj to focus exclusively on preparing for the English summer, where he was expected to shoulder India’s pace-bowling workload.
Soham Desai, India’s former strength and conditioning trainer, revealed that conversations around Siraj’s long-term plan were held as early as February. “Siraj played five Tests. He didn’t land in London and plan that he would play five Tests,” Desai explained. “When he was not picked for the Champions Trophy, the conversation took place then itself.”
The discussions revolved around not only building physical endurance but also strengthening mental resolve. Siraj, often described as an emotional cricketer, needed to see the bigger picture. The disappointment of missing out on an ICC event was reframed as an opportunity to prepare for the more grueling task ahead.
“Today it may feel like a setback but when you win in England, then you will remember you started training from then so you could play five,” Desai recalled telling the pacer.
That perspective proved decisive. Siraj went on to finish the series as its highest wicket-taker, bagging 23 scalps. His efforts peaked during the final Test at The Oval, where he produced a spirited spell on the last day to help India secure a memorable victory. It was the sort of performance that underscored not just his talent but also his discipline and durability.
For Siraj, the summer reinforced his growing stature as one of India’s most reliable Test bowlers. While his exclusion from the Asia Cup squad has once again sidelined him from the white-ball setup, the precedent of this summer suggests that such breaks often bring out the best in him.
The England tour was not just about wickets; it was about character. Siraj’s journey from disappointment to dominance highlighted the power of preparation, perspective, and perseverance. The bowler who once feared being left behind turned the moment into fuel — and India reaped the rewards on English soil.
