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Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has called on Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill to ensure Mohammed Siraj gets the recognition and support he deserves, following the pacer’s match-winning performance in the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Siraj starred in the thrilling six-run victory against England, taking nine wickets in the series decider — including a five-wicket haul in the second innings — to help India level the five-match series. With Jasprit Bumrah absent, the 31-year-old led the pace attack impressively, finishing as the series’ highest wicket-taker with 23 scalps.
Ashwin, who retired from international cricket in December 2024, lamented that Siraj’s contributions have often gone unnoticed in the past.
“We failed to recognise Mohammed Siraj. The time has come to acknowledge him now,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. “Just look at his celebration — it’s as if he’s saying, ‘This is not the trailer, this is the main picture.’ He’s reminding us that he is a champion bowler, a match-winner. His action, technique, and work ethic have allowed him to play all five Tests in the series.”
Ashwin also stressed the need to manage Siraj’s workload, resting him from less important matches to extend his career.
“He could be your No.1 Test bowler, your go-to man. Around his experience, we need to rebuild the bowling attack,” Ashwin said, naming Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh as other key pace options to develop alongside Siraj.
