July 15, 2025 | Manchester / New Delhi
As India gears up for the fourth Test in the high-stakes series against England, the spotlight has shifted from Jasprit Bumrah to another workhorse in the Indian pace unit: Mohammed Siraj. Siraj’s physical workload, which has involved bowling more than 110 overs in the first three Test matches, has caused new worries in the Indian camp and raised questions among cricket fans worldwide.
In what is being called an “unfair burden”, fans and former cricketers are asking why Siraj, who has bowled long, high-intensity spells in every match, is yet to be given a break — especially when premium pacers like Bumrah are being rested strategically to manage workload.
A Heavy Burden Without Relief
According to sources close to the team, the Indian management is now actively monitoring Siraj’s fitness and considering whether to rotate him for the fourth Test.
“He’s been exceptional, but we also need to manage him wisely,” said a senior member of the support staff. “He’s given us crucial breakthroughs when the game was slipping, but we don’t want to push him over the edge.”
Siraj’s performance this series has been nothing short of heroic: 14 wickets in three matches, attacking lines, reverse swing, and unwavering commitment. But the physical toll is evident — particularly as he appeared fatigued in the final session of the third Test.
The Public Reaction: Fairness in Question
The conversation has exploded on social media, with many cricket fans voicing frustration that support pacers like Siraj are being overworked, while top-tier bowlers are rotated and preserved.
“Bumrah bowls fewer overs and gets rest. Siraj does the hard grind every match. Not fair,” posted a fan on X (formerly Twitter).
Another fan wrote,
“You can’t treat one pacer as a weapon and the other as expendable. Siraj deserves better workload management.”
From my decade of covering cricket at the domestic and national level, I’ve seen how teams sometimes underestimate the long-term impact of overbowling fast bowlers — especially in overseas conditions. It’s not just about this match — it’s about how fit a player remains for the next year.
Is Team India Repeating Old Patterns?
India’s past pace rotations have sparked similar debates. Bowlers like Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav often carried the burden silently, only to face injuries or burnout during key series. If the lessons of the past are anything to go by, then it’s time the management protects Siraj the same way they do Bumrah.
Experts agree. Former Indian bowler Ashish Nehra stated in an interview with a sports broadcaster,
“Siraj is in red-hot form, but don’t risk him. He’s too valuable. If you break him now, you’ll regret it later.”
Replacements Available, But Will They Deliver?
If Siraj is rested for the fourth Test, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, or Shardul Thakur are likely options. While capable, none bring Siraj’s level of aggression, energy, and control in the middle overs. His role is often to apply pressure and maintain rhythm at the other end while Bumrah attacks.
So while a rest makes sense physically, it may affect the bowling dynamics that India has used effectively throughout the series.
Siraj’s Rise: Grit, Heart, and Hard Work
Siraj’s story has always been about grit. Coming from a modest background in Hyderabad, he rose through the ranks with sheer passion and unrelenting discipline. Even today, he plays every match like it’s his last — which is perhaps why fans feel so protective of him.
I’ve covered his early Ranji days, his IPL evolution, and now his role as a frontline Test bowler. He’s the face of India’s fast-bowling future — but he’s also human. And like any elite athlete, he deserves care, rest, and planning.
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Conclusion: Protect the Pace Warrior
Mohammed Siraj has given everything in this series — sweat, speed, and spirit. But if India wants him fresh not just for the 4th Test but for years to come, now is the time to manage his workload with the same care given to superstars like Bumrah. After all, every team needs both a spearhead and a shield — and Siraj has been both.
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