Legendary Indian all-rounder Kapil Dev praised pacer Mohammed Siraj for his exceptional performances in the recently concluded Test series in England. The 31-year-old featured in all five Tests, bowling an impressive 185.3 overs, and played a key role in India securing a 2-2 series draw.
Siraj topped the wicket charts for both teams with 23 wickets at an average of 32.43, including two five-wicket hauls. With India trailing 1-2 before the final Test, the right-arm fast bowler took nine wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings, helping India achieve a thrilling six-run victory.
Speaking about Siraj’s remarkable display in England, Kapil Dev told Mid-Day:
“Siraj is a real hero. The good thing is that he did not try to do anything extraordinary. He simply kept the ball in the right areas, especially around off stump and success followed. Siraj was leading the bowling attack [in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence] and he did it courageously. Indian cricket needs more Sirajs.”
He further added:
“Siraj was in high spirits and lifted the entire team on that last day. [No. 7 Jamie] Smith was a dangerous batter and when Siraj removed him, it brought the belief back into the Indian team. Siraj dropped a catch on Day Four, yet he bowled his best after that. That’s a rare and great quality. He never looked under pressure.”
Kapil Dev Highlights Team’s Success Beyond Language Barriers
Kapil Dev applauded the entire Indian team for their courageous performance in securing a Test series draw in England. Despite a young lineup after key retirements, captain Shubman Gill led India to their second consecutive 2-2 Test series draw in England, matching the 2021/22 result.
“England needed 35 runs and India needed four wickets. This was the situation on the morning of Day Five and we plucked all four wickets. We may not speak better English, but our team has proved that speaking English is not necessary when it comes to winning a cricket match,” said Kapil Dev (via the aforementioned source).
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