🏃♂️ A Workhorse in Whites
Mohammed Siraj isn’t the flashiest name in Indian cricket. He doesn’t always grab headlines like Bumrah or deliver viral moments like Rishabh Pant. But when it comes to putting in the hard yards — over after over, session after session — there’s hardly anyone more dependable right now.
After three intense Tests against England, Siraj has already bowled over 100 overs, the most by any Indian pacer this series. That’s not just a stat — it’s a signal of how much India leans on him.
🔁 Consistent, No Matter the Conditions
Whether the ball is swinging or not, whether it’s a flat pitch or cloudy skies, Siraj keeps coming in hard. And it’s not just about effort — he’s been consistently effective too. His wickets have come at crucial moments, often breaking tough partnerships or setting things up for others at the other end.
He’s not the fastest bowler India has. But what makes him a captain’s dream is how relentless he is — bowling with energy even in the 3rd or 4th spell of the day.
📊 The Numbers Tell a Story
Let’s break it down simply:
- 100+ overs bowled in 3 Tests
- Bowling average: steady around 24–26
- Wickets: Often among India’s top two in the series
But more than the numbers, it’s the intent. He doesn’t just bowl — he charges in—every single time.
⚠️ Burnout Becoming a Real Concern
That raises a genuine concern now: Is India asking too much of Siraj?
Fans and former cricketers have started raising questions. While the team management hasn’t officially addressed it, analysts are pointing to workload management as a key factor heading into the last two Tests.
India has options — Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, even rotating with allrounders — but none of them bring the same balance and fight that Siraj does.
🎙️ What Experts Are Saying
Former Indian pacers like Zaheer Khan and Irfan Pathan have praised Siraj’s resilience but also warned about the long-term consequences of overuse.
Zaheer recently said on a panel discussion:
“You love a bowler like Siraj who gives his heart out every time. But even machines need maintenance.”
Even some fans are noticing — there’s fatigue in the follow-through, a slightly reduced zip in late-day spells. But Siraj keeps going for now.
🔄 Will India Rotate Him for Manchester?
The next Test at Old Trafford (Manchester) starts on July 23. It’s going to be another big match, both in intensity and expectations.
Will India give Siraj a breather? Possibly. But they’ll weigh that carefully against how vital he’s been so far.
If Bumrah is fully fit and someone like Mukesh steps in, the team might have room to let Siraj recover. But with the series on the line, India may not want to bench their most dependable pacer.
🙌 Why Fans Love Him
It’s not just the wickets or the bowling speed. It’s the attitude.
Siraj brings a street-fighter spirit. Whether it’s bowling to top batters or tailenders, he gives it everything. And that’s why fans — especially those who’ve followed his journey from Hyderabad to Team India — connect with him so deeply.
He’s not just performing. He’s evolving — and doing it under pressure.
🔚 Final Thought: Siraj Is the Backbone, But Don’t Let It Break
As India pushes to win the series, the team needs to protect its most hardworking players, and Mohammed Siraj is right at the top of that list.
Over 100 overs into the series, he’s still going strong. But the smart move now may not be about whether he can bowl more, but whether he should.
Because long-term greatness is built not just on effort, but also on timing and care.
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