TV
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has lavished praise on fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, crediting him with shattering the long-debated “workload” theory in Test cricket.
Siraj was the only pacer to play all five matches of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, spearheading India’s attack with 23 wickets — the most in the series — to help secure a 2-2 draw. While other fast bowlers were rotated, the Hyderabad speedster bowled a staggering 185.3 overs across nine innings, more than any bowler from either side. His haul included two five-wicket performances, capped by a nine-wicket match at The Oval that sealed India’s dramatic win while defending 374.
Speaking recently, Gavaskar lauded Siraj’s unwavering commitment, noting that his efforts went beyond just skill — they were a testament to mental strength and national pride.
“Bowlers win you matches, but you also need runs, and that’s where India fell short in the two losses,” Gavaskar said. “Siraj bowled his heart out. He’s permanently debunked this workload business. I hope the word disappears from Indian cricket altogether. For five Tests in a row, he delivered long, testing spells because the captain needed it and the country expected it. Workload is more mental than physical.”
Gavaskar also urged head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management not to buy into such “narratives,” citing Rishabh Pant’s grit in Manchester, where he scored a crucial half-century despite batting with a fractured toe to force a draw in the fourth Test, setting up the Oval decider.
