Unreal Stat Shows Mohammed Siraj’s Ruthlessness in Jasprit Bumrah’s Absence

Siraj made his ODI debut in January 2019 against Australia, followed by his much-awaited Test debut in October 2020, against the same opposition. Over the course of the past few years, he has played 36 Test matches, taking 100 wickets at an average of 30.74.

Siraj’s ODI records are even more impressive, with 71 wickets from 44 matches at an average of 24.04, with his strong performances even taking him to the top of the ICC ODI Bowling Rankings in January 2023.

However, the 31-year-old has experienced a recent dip in form. Following the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, his overall consistency and control in red-ball cricket has been questioned. While Siraj was India’s second-highest wicket-taker in that series, the pacer’s effectiveness with the new ball had declined. This ultimately led to his shocking exclusion from India’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Despite the dip, Mohammed Siraj was selected for India’s five-match Test tour to England, with the team management trusting his ability to regain form. While he had a disappointing outing in the first Test at Headingley, picking only two wickets across both innings, he appears to have found his rhythm in the second Test at Edgbaston. Siraj quickly came out to claim three wickets with the new ball, dismissing Joe Root and Ben Stokes on consecutive deliveries in the 22nd over.

With Jasprit Bumrah opting to rest for the Edgbaston Test and Siraj regaining his form, it prompted fans to focus on an interesting statistic. Siraj appears to perform better in Tests without Bumrah, averaging around 26 when his teammate is absent, compared to 34 when they play alongside each other. This trend extends to ODIs as well, where Siraj averages 27.18 with Bumrah, and 22.63 without Bumrah.

There could be many reasons for this major difference in Siraj’s averages, with and without Bumrah. One possibility is the team’s over-reliance on Bumrah’s wicket-taking ability, which allows Siraj and the other bowlers to focus more on supporting roles. Nonetheless, both of them would need to perform in the remainder of the ongoing England tour.

(Video) Mohammed Siraj Asks Shubman Gill to Bow After Captain’s Record Double-Century At Edgbaston

Indian Test captain Shubman Gill etched his name in history books, after scoring a double-century in the first innings of the second Test against England, at Edgbaston. A video emerged of a comic interaction between Mohammed Siraj and Gill, while the latter was celebrating his 200-run milestone. 

After Gill removed his helmet after completing his double hundred, Siraj was seen making a gesture towards the batter from the dressing room, urging him to perform his ‘bow-down’ celebration, while rising up in appreciation of the Indian captain’s impressive knock. The 25-year-old immediately responded to Siraj’s request by bowing down, with the Edgbaston crowd responding with a roaring applause. 

Shubman Gill was also appreciated by fans and former players alike. Ex-Team India coach Ravi Shastri heaped praise on the Indian captain, while stating that he showed improvement in his technique in order to thrive in England.