‘Siraj is our Ronaldo’ — Ex-cricketer’s big statement after India’s stunning win in ENG vs IND 5th Test

Mayank Bande

‘Siraj is our Ronaldo’ — Ex-cricketer’s big statement after India’s stunning win in ENG vs IND 5th Test image

Mohammed Siraj's exceptional final day bowling display at the Oval to end the India tour of England 2-2 had everyone at the edge of their seats.

Having played all 25 days of the series, the pacer looked right on the money throughout the fifth day at the Oval, where India needed to restrict England to under 35 runs and 4 wickets left.

Siraj took three out of the remaining four wickets to complete his second five-wicket haul in the series and finished the tour with 23 wickets.

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His famous 'siu' celebration was also on display on Monday morning as the young Indian side won by a margin of 6 runs.

Harbhajan Singh also compared the fast bowler to the football star Cristiano Ronaldo for his massive effort throughout the series.

Here's what he had to say.

READ MORE:  Mohammed Siraj responds to Dale Steyn's prediction for the Oval Test

Harbhajan Singh compared Siraj to Ronaldo after India's famous win at the Oval

Speaking about India's win in London on his YouTube Channel (Harbhajan Turbanator Singh), the former India spinner heaped praise on Siraj for his spirited effort.

As it is widely known, the Indian pacer is a huge Cristiano Ronaldo fan and often does the footballer's celebration after taking wickets.

Harbhajan compared Siraj to Ronaldo for how he stepped up in a crucial moment like Ronaldo and won India the Oval Test and drew the series.

"Mohammed Siraj — that Ronaldo celebration. Siraj is our Ronaldo. Well done, Miyan. He has taken 23 wickets in this series and gave his all whenever he came in to bowl," he said.

He lauded Siraj's effort in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, especially after how he overcame the disappointment of stepping on the rope after taking Brook's catch on Day 4.

READ MORE: Does Mohammed Siraj perform better without Jasprit Bumrah in Tests?

"After dropping that [Brook] catch yesterday, most would say the match is lost, but he focused on the present and did the recovery work for that catch — he will return home as a hero from England now," he emphasized.

Siraj ended the series with the most wickets taken and most overs bowled, and was also named as the player of the match for the final Test for 9 wickets in the match.

What is next for Mohammed Siraj?

Siraj will go on a short break after the five-Test series of England, where he was in the thick of things throughout 25 days.

As India plays the T20I Asia Cup in September, it will be interesting to see whether he is rested for the West Indies and South Africa Tests or not.

The selectors will soon announce the team for the Asia Cup, which is to be played in the United Arab Emirates.

Mayank Bande

Mayank Bande has been a content producer at The Sporting News since 2023 and has extensive experience in cricket writing. His work has previously appeared on platforms like OneCricket and Last Word on Sports. Beyond cricket, Mayank closely follows football as an FC Barcelona supporter, along with tennis and Olympic sports. Despite holding a degree in Business Administration, he chose to pursue a career in sports, bringing sharp analysis to his writing as someone who once played cricket.