In recent years, Mohammed Siraj has performed a crucial role for the Indian team. Former player Aakash Chopra heaped massive praise on the fast bowler. He mentioned that over the past few years, the Hyderabad pacer has bowled more overs than any other Indian pacer across all formats.

With the fourth Test of the five-match series set to begin in Manchester on Wednesday, July 23, India currently trails England 1-2 in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Siraj has been the top wicket-taker in the first three Tests, having taken 13 wickets at an average of 32.00 over six innings.

Aakash pointed out that since the beginning of 2023, Mohammed Siraj has bowled more overs than any other Indian seamers.

Chopra stated, “If you examine Siraj’s workload over the past two years (since January 1, 2023), you can’t help but pause and appreciate him. When comparing fast bowlers globally, he ranks third for the number of overs bowled. Pat Cummins (871.3 overs), Mitchell Starc (856.2 overs), and Mohammed Siraj (792.5 overs) are the top three,” he said.

“From an Indian perspective, no one has bowled more overs than him. In fact, for India overall, he ranks second, just behind Jaddu. Jaddu (990 overs) has bowled nearly 1000 overs, while he has bowled almost 800. He consistently bowls a significant number of overs,” he added.

Chopra highlighted that the Indian team management knows how lucky they are to have Siraj in their ranks.

“Ryan ten Doeschate also mentioned that we don’t talk about Siraj enough, but we’re lucky to have him in the team. He gives his all and never holds back. It’s truly a blessing. From a captain’s perspective, in Test matches, there are moments when you rely on your bowlers, but sometimes fast bowlers look away. Mohammed Siraj is never one of those players,” he explained.