New Zealand star batter Kane Williamson has praised Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj and called him a perfect example of one who puts his team above personal glory and milestones. Speaking at the CEAT Awards on Tuesday, Williamson mentioned Siraj’s resilience and never-give-up attitude on the field.
Williamson shared that he had been watching Siraj closely since his early days with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL). “I got to know him early in his career before he represented India, observing his talent as a young cricketer for Sunrisers in the IPL,” Williamson said.
Kane Williamson highlighted relentless commitment and team priority
Kane Williamson said, “Mohammed Siraj’s commitment to putting the team first and his desire to take the ball, even when the game might not be moving. He wants to be the player who changes the game by bowling long spells”. (CEAT). pic.twitter.com/amfJkjhyvr
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“What sets him apart is his relentless commitment to putting the team first and his desire to take the ball, even when the game might not be moving,” Williamson added. “He always wants to be the player who changes the game by bowling long spells, and this attitude is contagious within the team.” His words underline why Siraj has become such a crucial part of India’s bowling lineup, especially as the team manages the workload of star pacers like Jasprit Bumrah.
Since making his Test debut in 2020, Siraj has consistently established himself as one of India's prominent fast bowlers in the time since. In particular, he has taken 130 wickets in 42 Test matches, and in One Day Internationals (ODIs), he has taken 71 wickets in 44 innings, and in T20Is, 14 wickets in 16 innings. His level of performance and tenacity have played a vital role in India's recent accomplishments, which include an emphatic victory by an innings against the West Indies in Ahmedabad, and an extremely hard-fought drawn series in England earlier in the year.....
Williamson, also spoke of Siraj's approach as similar to that of former New Zealand pacer Neil Wagner for his hard-working personality and ability to help settle a team in tough situations. “Mohammed Siraj certainly comes across that way” he said. With his team-first mentality and zeal for the game, Siraj’s relentless energy, in any environment, has made him one of India's most relying cricketers. he is currently India's leading wicket-taker for the 2025 World Test Championship and is lodge to play against the West Indies in Delhi on the second Test commencing October 10.
