Mohammed Siraj delivered a match-defining performance, claiming a five-wicket haul in England’s second innings to lead India to a dramatic six-run victory in the fifth Test at The Oval on August 4, 2025. The thrilling win secured a 2-2 series draw, but the Hyderabadi pacer’s heart was heavy with the absence of his mentor, Jasprit Bumrah, whom he missed dearly in his moment of glory.

“Jassi bhai would’ve made it even more special,” an emotional Siraj said in a BCCI video, reflecting on Bumrah’s absence due to workload management after the fourth Test. “Every batsman, every bowler—hats off to them. The way we came back was crazy. I believe in Jassi bhai and myself.”

Siraj’s nine wickets in the match earned him the ‘Man of the Match’ award, with fans on X hailing him as “India’s fiery warrior.” His performance was a tale of redemption after a dropped catch of Harry Brook on day four, when he stumbled near the fine-leg ropes. “I couldn’t sleep thinking about that drop,” Siraj admitted. “Had I taken it, we’d have been relaxing on Monday. But the Almighty had other plans.”

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Waking up on the final day with renewed resolve, Siraj set a ‘Believe’ emoji wallpaper on his phone, channeling his focus. “My inner self told me I could change the game,” he said. His morning spell tormented England’s batters, dismantling their chase alongside Ravichandran Ashwin’s key wickets. The victory, one of India’s most gripping abroad, kept their World Test Championship hopes alive.

Siraj’s 23 wickets in the series underscored his growth as India’s pace leader in Bumrah’s absence. “I always believe I can win the game from any point,” he said, crediting his self-belief and the team’s resilience for scripting a historic triumph.

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