The ability to lift a team during moments of crisis — that, more than anything else, defines Mohammad Siraj’s journey in Indian cricket so far. And this isn’t just the opinion of fans or pundits. It comes from none other than India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev.
Impressed with Siraj’s performance throughout the Test series in England, Kapil praised not just his skills but his infectious energy and attitude.
“He lifts the spirit of the team,” Kapil told CricBlogger. “He is like Javed Miandad or Yuvraj Singh. Every day you can’t be a hero, but a character like Siraj will always energise the team.”
Kapil emphasized that it’s not just about wickets or statistics — it’s about the ripple effect Siraj has on those around him.
“Others get charged up when he’s around, and that’s a very positive thing. That’s why he’s so special,” Kapil added.
Kapil was particularly elated with the way Siraj performed against England, both in terms of his bowling and his attitude on the field.
“This is the real India,” Kapil said, visibly proud. “They may not speak English fluently, but they perform far better than many who do. We need players like him to build the country — people who carry heart, hunger, and honesty in everything they do.”
It was a statement not just about cricket, but about the values that matter — grit over gloss, substance over show.
Good one, Basu