IND vs WI 2025: 'Deserves credit' - Mohammed Siraj lauded by former teammate for tiring spell in New Delhi

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has praised the efforts of pacer Mohammed Siraj in the second Test against the West Indies at New Delhi. The 39-year-old lauded the Hyderabad fast bowler for his commitment, highlighting how Siraj continued to run in tirelessly even when the pitch offered little assistance to the seamers.

Siraj produced a commendable performance, finishing with match figures of 3/59 in 24 overs. Despite the conditions favouring the spinners at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, India depended heavily on their spin attack to claim 20 West Indies wickets. However, Siraj’s disciplined bowling and relentless energy ensured that the pace department remained effective throughout the contest.

“I want to compliment Mohammed Siraj. On this wicket, there wasn’t much help, but Siraj bent his back and kept coming again and again. Bumrah did get wickets in the end, but it’s Siraj’s effort that needs to be applauded. Just like his bowling in England, he put efforts in these conditions as well. First-class cricket can be tough for fast bowlers, especially if you bowl on day four, fast bowlers never recover in a three-day break. Still, Siraj kept going, using innovative fields, so he deserves credit,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat.

“In this series Indian fast bowlers played a role. They do have a role. Indian fast bowlers have generally refrained from bowling bouncers because they have a better idea of bowling in the sub-continent. They do a little bit more with the ball. They bring reverse swing and lbw into play,” he added.

Kuldeep should be given more freedom: Ashwin

Ashwin also urged the team management to provide more freedom to Kuldeep Yadav, emphasising that the left-arm wrist-spinner should continue playing his natural attacking role in the XI. He expressed that Kuldeep’s ability to pick wickets consistently makes him a vital asset, and the other bowlers in the side should be given the responsibility to support him by maintaining control from the other end.

“Kuldeep will get a wicket in one spell and he will be able to open it up. Even in the second innings he did that. He should be given that freedom. But the others should be able to compliment Kuldeep in a way that he can still continue being that attacking option,” Ashwin said.

The left-arm spinner was awarded the Player of the Match for his impressive match figures of 8/186, which included a five-wicket haul in the first innings. This performance marked Kuldeep’s return to Test cricket, as it was his first series since playing against New Zealand in Bengaluru in October of the previous year.