Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin urged Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill to look after Mohammed Siraj after the pacer led the visitors to a thrilling six-run win against England in the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The 31-year-old returned with nine wickets in the series decider, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings, to help Shubman Gill’s side level the five-match series.
Ashwin, who retired from international cricket in December 2024, said Siraj has not been recognised for his efforts in the past, and the time has come for the pacer to get all the acknowledgement he deserves.
Siraj stepped up in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah as he led the pace attack really well, finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the series with 23 scalps.
“We failed to recognise Mohammed Siraj. The time has come to recognise him now. He once again put his hand up; he has given a compelling reason. Just look at his celebration, it seems as if he is saying, ‘This is not the trailer. This is the main picture itself’. He is saying, ‘Please consider me as a match winner’. ’ He is reminding us what a champion bowler he is. His bowling action, his technique and good work ethic are allowing him to play all five Tests in a series,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel.
“He is also growing old. It is important for the team management to rest him as well from inconsequential matches. He could be your No.1 Test bowler; he could be your go-to Test bowler. We have to rebuild the bowling attack. Akash Deep is there, Prasidh Krishna is there, Arshdeep Singh is there. Around Mohammed Siraj and his experience, we have to build it,” he added.
