The Anderson Tendulkar Trophy 2025 ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, but the way India clawed their way back will be talked about for years. After going 2-1 down, the visitors pulled off a gutsy draw in the fourth Test and a stunning six-run win in the final match at The Oval. In a series filled with moments of brilliance from both sides, one name stood tall across all five matches was Mohammed Siraj.

While others had their moments, Siraj was India’s heartbeat throughout the series. He didn’t just bowl well. He bowled with intent, mentored the young pacers, never let the pressure drop, and delivered match defining spells when it mattered most. Whether Jasprit Bumrah played or not, Siraj’s output remained rock solid. From effort to impact, from leadership to fire, he was the glue that held India together in tough moments. Here’s why Siraj was the most valuable player of this unforgettable series.

1. Standing tall even when Bumrah plays

For years, Mohammed Siraj played in the shadow of Jasprit Bumrah. Whenever Bumrah was in the eleven, all eyes were on him. Siraj never complained. He bowled with heart and effort, even if the spotlight was not on him.

But injuries to Bumrah over the last few years gave Siraj more chances to lead the pace attack. From the famous win at Gabba in 2021 to the historic finish at the Oval in 2025, Siraj has quietly built a reputation as a match winner. Even when Bumrah played in this series, it was Siraj who held things together. And when Bumrah missed matches, Siraj took full charge and delivered two stunning five wicket hauls. That says it all.

2. Becoming the voice of the bowling unit

Siraj is no longer just another bowler. He is now the leader of India’s pace attack in terms of both performance and presence. His voice is constantly heard from mid on or mid off, guiding the likes of Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna and Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Akash Deep’s nine wicket haul in the second Test wasn’t just talent. It was backed by constant support from Siraj, who helped him stay focused and maintain pressure. In another Test, Prasidh picked up four wickets with Siraj building pressure from the other end and sharing tips on bowling tight lines. This kind of mentorship is rare and valuable. It is what makes a senior bowler different from just an experienced one.

3. Tireless and always on the mark

Siraj bowled 37 full spells during the five-match series. Not one of those deliveries was below 131 kmph. That is a serious level of fitness and consistency. He does not take shortcuts. He does not bowl loose spells. Every time he comes on, he means business.

The numbers don’t always show how hard he works. But anyone watching the matches could see how often he ran in, over after over, session after session. He gave the same effort whether the pitch was flat or helpful. That kind of drive is not taught. It is built over years of grinding and self belief.

4. Bringing the fire when it’s needed

With Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket, India needed someone who could bring passion, intensity, and energy on the field. Siraj filled that space. He is vocal. He speaks up when teammates drop intensity. He lifts others when the body language drops. And most importantly, players listen to him.

Siraj has always worn his heart on his sleeve. Now, that emotion is being used to lead and inspire. He shows aggression in the right way, fired up when needed, but always focused on the job. That spark makes a big difference, especially in tense situations where one moment can swing the game.

5. Delivering when it mattered most

This series had two Tests where Bumrah did not play. India won both. In those games, Siraj took two five wicket hauls, including the most important one in the fourth innings of the fifth Test at The Oval. England needed just 73 to win, and at one stage with 7 wickets in hand. That’s when Siraj came in and turned the game.

He took 5 for 104, and every wicket pushed India closer to a famous win. His final spell saw him dismiss key batters under pressure. The way he handled that moment, with calm and control, shows why he is trusted by his captain and loved by fans. He did not just take wickets, he won the game.

Final thoughts

Mohammed Siraj may not have the flash of some of his teammates, but he has become the most reliable man in this Indian Test team. He is the one who shows up every time, no matter the conditions, the opposition or the match situation.

The 2025 Anderson Tendulkar Trophy had many highlights. But one of the biggest reasons India managed a 2-2 draw was because of the man who ran in all day, lifted the dressing room and brought belief when others doubted.

That man is Mohammed Siraj. The glue India did not know they needed, until he held everything together.