Overview

• Speaking at The Indian Express’ Idea Exchange, Mohammed Siraj said Jasprit Bumrah had a serious back injury and major surgery, warning that overbowling could have jeopardized his career.
• Siraj defended the rotation policy that saw Bumrah skip two of five Tests against England, saying the pacer ignores outside noise and made the right call for India.
• Elevated to lead seamer, Siraj played all five Tests and topped the series with 23 wickets, including a decisive 5/104 in the final innings at The Oval to secure a six-run win.
• He revealed Shubman Gill checked his fitness before the fifth Test and told him to decide on playing, conveying that he was as central to the attack as Bumrah.
• Reports reiterated a pre-set workload plan with BCCI oversight, and Siraj’s form has continued with seven wickets in the first West Indies Test as he prepares for the second starting October 10.