Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has heaped praise on India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj for his match-winning performance in the fifth Test at The Oval, saying the seamer doesn’t always get the credit he deserves.
Siraj produced a superb spell of 5 for 104 as India edged out England by six runs to level the five-match series 2-2. His fiery burst on the final day saw him dismiss three English batters while conceding just nine runs in 25 deliveries, and he fittingly sealed the win by knocking over Gus Atkinson’s off-stump.
“Unbelievable. Superb approach. I love his attitude. I love the spring in his legs. For a fast bowler to be constantly in your face like that, no batsman will like it,” Tendulkar said in a video shared on his Reddit account.
“And the approach he maintained until the end on the last day; I could also hear commentators saying he bowled around 90mph (145kph) on the last day, after having bowled more than 1,000 deliveries in the series. That shows his courage and big heart,” the batting great added.
Siraj ended the series as the highest wicket-taker, claiming 23 wickets at an average of 32.43. His impact was felt throughout the campaign, with Tendulkar noting that he often delivers when it matters most.
“He has always been instrumental, playing a key role whenever we need him — delivering that knockout punch. He’s been able to do that consistently in the past, and so was the case in this series,” Tendulkar said.
Backing for Bumrah
Tendulkar also came out in support of Jasprit Bumrah, who missed two Tests due to workload management after recovering from a back injury earlier in the year. Bumrah still managed to grab 14 wickets in three matches, including two five-wicket hauls.
Addressing the chatter around India winning the matches Bumrah didn’t play, Sachin Tendulkar said, “That’s just a coincidence, to be honest.”
“Bumrah started really well, got five wickets in the first Test. He didn’t play the second, but in the third and fourth innings again at Lord’s, he took five wickets. So, out of three Tests he played, he has picked five wickets twice,” Tendulkar pointed out.
Calling him a world-class bowler, Tendulkar added, “The quality of Bumrah is exceptional. It’s unbelievable what he has been able to do so far. To me, he has been a consistent performer without any doubt. I would put him right at the top with anyone else.”
