Mohammed Siraj’s name was once again in the headlines after his fiery performances in the recent India vs England Test series.
The 31-year-old fast bowler finished as the highest wicket-taker and collected 23 wickets in five matches.
But for former India captain Ajinkya Rahane, Siraj’s success is about more than skill, it’s about attitude.
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Rahane believes Siraj’s aggression is what makes him so dangerous with the ball, a quality he has seen up close since the pacer’s debut.
Rahane thinks anger makes Siraj better
Rahane, speaking on his YouTube channel, recalled the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia in 2020–21, when Siraj was making his Test debut under his captaincy.
In that match, Rahane held Siraj back from bowling early and the young pacer wasn’t happy about it. He said that this frustration actually worked in Siraj’s favour.
He explained that even in 2021, Siraj was willing to bowl long spells without losing pace or accuracy.
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"Even in 2021, he was ready to bowl longer spells with the same intensity. I remember an incident in Australia (BGT 20/21), when he was making his debut, I brought him into the attack very late and he was angry and that anger is still visible in him. That anger brings the best out of Siraj," said Rahane.
How did Siraj perform in the England Test series?
Against England, Siraj proved to be one of the toughest bowlers to face on pitches that often suited batting. His 23 wickets came at an average of 32.43, and he produced two five-wicket hauls in the series.
He also showed great fitness, bowling 185.3 overs across the five Tests, making him one of only two fast bowlers, along with England’s Chris Woakes, to play every match.
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Rahane compared Siraj’s readiness to that of England great James Anderson, noting that Siraj is switched on from the very first ball he bowls, unlike many bowlers who need a few deliveries to get into rhythm.
"I have always felt Siraj is always warmed up and on the money from ball one, which is a great quality of a great bowler. Many other bowlers take 6-8 deliveries but Siraj is always there like Anderson. He is always hitting the same spot with the same intensity," said Rahane.
If anything, his England performance further cements Rahane’s belief that Siraj’s anger isn’t a weakness, it’s his greatest weapon.