With or without Bumrah, Siraj ready to become actual leader of Indian attack: Greg Chappell

Former Indian head coach Greg Chappell feels Mohammed Siraj has all the capabilities to establish himself as the mainstay of the Test bowling attack irrespective of Jasprit Bumrah's presence. Siraj ended up as the leading wicket-taker in the recently-concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 with 23 wickets in nine innings. 

Chappell justified his reasoning by enlisting the numerous matches in which Siraj has delivered with the ball in away Tests.

"To be fair, he has turned in many fine performances before, at the MCG, the Gabba, Perth, Lord's, Cape Town and Birmingham, but what he did at The Oval was his true coming of age. With or without Bumrah, he is ready to be the spiritual as well as actual leader of Gill's attack," Chappell wrote in an ESPNcricinfo column.

Siraj ended as a bowler with passion and purpose: Chappell

The ex-Australian cricketer explained how Siraj has evolved from just a regular player to a leader.

"He bowled like a man possessed, but also a man who had learned the art of pacing himself, of understanding the moments that matter. What impressed me most wasn't the effort - which was immense - but the evolution. He started as a bowler with passion. He ended as a bowler with passion and purpose. That's the difference between a player and a leader," stated Chappell.

"I don't think it is unfair to say that, despite the many wonderful batting efforts, Siraj was the main reason that India was competitive in the series. To bowl more than 185 (185.3) overs in five Test matches over six weeks in any condition is a physical, mental and emotional marathon. To do so with consistent intensity, while carrying the attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah for stretches, is bordering on heroic," he remarked.

Siraj was the only bowler from the India to feature in all five Tests of the series. India ended up retaining the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy with a 2-2 scoreline after their six-run triumph at the Oval.