Siraj gives fitting reply to Steyn’s prediction, thanks Kohli for unwavering faith

Dubai: Mohammed Siraj produced a fiery spell under pressure to script one of India’s most memorable Test wins, delivering a decisive five-wicket haul in the second innings at The Oval — and in the process, fulfilling a prediction made by Dale Steyn at the start of the match.

The legendary South African pacer had posted on X: “Siraj to take a fifer in 5th Test,” and his predictions came true. Siraj claimed 5/112 in the second innings — and 9/190 for the match — as India pulled off a stunning six-run victory to level the five-Test series against England 2-2.

Hours after the match, Siraj responded to Steyn’s tweet with a simple but classy message: “You asked. I delivered. Really appreciate coming from you.”

The Hyderabad pacer, who has now firmly established himself as India’s pace spearhead in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, also acknowledged former captain Virat Kohli, calling him his biggest believer.

Kohli, in a rare social media post after the win, wrote: “Great win by Team India. Resilience and determination from Siraj and Prasidh has given us this phenomenal victory. Special mention to Siraj who will put everything on the line for the team. Extremely happy for him.”

Siraj replied: “Thank you bhaiya for ‘Believe’ ing in me.”

Siraj’s role in the final day’s drama was central. England needed just 35 runs with four wickets in hand. Under overcast skies and a light drizzle, Siraj and Prasidh Krishna launched a relentless pace assault, consistently clocking over 140kph. Within the span of an hour, England’s resistance crumbled.

Siraj, who had taken four wickets in the first innings, saved his best for last. His dismissal of Gus Atkinson — rattling the stumps to claim his fifth wicket — sealed the match for India by the narrowest of margins.

It was a moment of redemption and validation for Siraj, whose aggressive but controlled bowling has evolved through the series. He finished as the leading wicket-taker with 23 wickets from five Tests at an average of 32.43, sending down a staggering 1113 deliveries — a testament to his stamina, discipline and willpower.

Siraj’s rise as a red-ball bowler has been closely linked to the mentorship of Kohli, who backed him from his early Test appearances. That trust was evident again in the way Kohli singled out Siraj for praise — and the pacer’s grateful reply underscored the depth of that bond.

Siraj’s transformation from a fiery youngster to India’s pace spearhead was on full display throughout the series. With Jasprit Bumrah rested and Mohammed Shami unavailable, the onus was on Siraj to shoulder the attack. He responded with energy and consistency, often bowling long, hostile spells — including two four-wicket hauls and the match-winning five-for at The Oval.

That Dale Steyn — one of the modern game’s greatest fast bowlers — backed Siraj for a fifer before the match was not just flattery, but recognition of the pacer’s growing stature. The fact that Siraj delivered on that prediction, and acknowledged it with humility, shows a cricketer grounded in the values of hard work and respect.

It was a fitting finish to a riveting series — and a defining performance in Siraj’s Test career. In a match where margins were razor-thin, it was the belief of a few, and the brilliance of one, that made all the difference.