Mohammed Siraj’s ‘Siuuu’ and the Cristiano Ronaldo spirit

Dubai: Mohammed Siraj had the final say in a heart-pounding finish at The Oval, claiming the last England wicket to seal a thrilling six-run win for India in the fifth and final Test and square the series 2-2. As soon as he bowled Gus Atkinson, Siraj burst into Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic “Siuuu” celebration — a moment that blended sporting ecstasy with personal inspiration.

Named Player of the Match, Siraj delivered one of his finest spells under pressure. But what made it even more remarkable was his mental rebound after dropping a crucial catch on Day Four, a moment that could’ve easily defined the Test. Instead, Siraj returned on the final morning with steely resolve — embodying the never-give-up attitude he so admires in Ronaldo.

A self-confessed Ronaldo superfan, Siraj has often spoken about the Portuguese footballer’s influence on his mindset. In an earlier video posted on the ICC’s Instagram page with teammate Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj explained why he mimics the “Siuuu” celebration: he respects Ronaldo’s tireless work ethic, his rigorous daily routine, and his unwavering consistency at the highest level. Above all, it’s Ronaldo’s resilience and fitness-driven longevity that inspire him.

Siraj, like Ronaldo, comes from humble beginnings. His rise to international cricket has been anything but smooth, filled with personal loss, struggle, and scrutiny. Perhaps that’s why the bond he feels with Ronaldo goes beyond mere fandom — it’s a connection rooted in grit and perseverance.

His admiration for the Portuguese legend extends into his football preferences too. Siraj supports Portugal in international tournaments, unsurprising given his reverence for Ronaldo. He even paid tribute to Portuguese winger Jota after the latter’s passing, showing how deeply football resonates with him beyond the cricket field.

On Day Five at The Oval, that Ronaldo-esque mentality was on full display. Instead of letting his earlier mistake weigh him down, Siraj came back with renewed focus, defending a narrow target with fire and belief. His celebration wasn’t just for the cameras — it was a nod to the mindset that had brought him back into the game.

Siraj isn’t the only athlete to emulate Ronaldo’s signature celebration. Across sports, stars such as NFL receiver Odell Beckham Jr., MMA fighter Manel Kape, MotoGP champion Fabio Quartararo, and even tennis legend Novak Djokovic have all performed the “Siuuu” after major wins. It’s a testament to Ronaldo’s immense influence beyond football—a symbol of triumph and self-belief.

Within the Indian dressing room, Ronaldo vs Messi debates are common. Kuldeep Yadav has admitted in earlier interviews that Siraj is the squad’s biggest Ronaldo fan, while he himself leans toward Messi. The friendly rivalry reflects not just football loyalties, but contrasting sporting philosophies — flair versus focus, natural talent versus relentless discipline.

But for Siraj, Ronaldo’s example seems tailor-made. In a high-stakes finish that demanded composure and courage, he channelled that same spirit to lift India over the line—ending the Test, and the series, with a roar and a leap.