Joe Root Calls Siraj a ‘Warrior’ – 7 Times Mohammad Siraj Shocked the Cricketing World
Introduction: The Warrior India Didn’t Know It Needed
When English cricket legend Joe Root referred to Mohammad Siraj as a “real warrior,” it wasn’t just a compliment—it was a recognition of a journey full of grit, pain, and relentless passion. From the narrow lanes of Hyderabad to the green pitches of Lord’s, Siraj has carved out a reputation not just as a fast bowler but as a relentless fighter.
Joe Root’s recent words during the post-match conference reflected what millions of cricket lovers across the globe already knew—Siraj is not just a player, he’s a story of inspiration. Root stated,
“He’s a real warrior, someone who never gives up. Whether it’s with the ball, in the field, or mentally, Siraj always brings the fight.”
This statement didn’t emerge from thin air. It came after watching Siraj’s tireless spells, his comeback from personal tragedies, and his ability to perform under pressure. In this blog, we’ll explore 7 iconic moments when Mohammad Siraj truly shocked the world and lived up to Root’s ‘Warrior’ title.
1. Australia Tour 2020–21: Siraj’s Debut Series of Destiny
The Border-Gavaskar series 2020–21 was one of the most iconic test series in Indian cricket history—and Siraj was at its emotional center.
- Tragic Beginning: Just days before his Test debut, Siraj’s father passed away. Trapped in bio-bubble restrictions, Siraj made the courageous choice to stay with the team.
- Debut at MCG: With India bruised from the 36-all-out in Adelaide, Siraj debuted in Melbourne, took crucial wickets, and helped India level the series.
- 5-Wicket Haul at Gabba: In the series decider at Brisbane, Siraj—leading a bowling attack with just 3 Tests under his belt—picked up 5 wickets in the second innings and helped India win the fortress-breaking Gabba Test.
This wasn’t just a performance; it was a statement of heart, hunger, and heroism.
2. Emotional Victory Lap: Honoring His Late Father
After India’s historic win at the Gabba, Siraj took a lone walk with the Indian flag, tears in his eyes. The image went viral—not because of celebration, but because of its emotion.
- Siraj had fulfilled his father’s dream.
- He proved that staying back with the team was not just brave—it was destiny.
This moment made him a household name and established his emotional connection with fans.
3. Lord’s Test 2021: English Collapse, Siraj’s Spell of Fire
At the Mecca of Cricket—Lord’s, Mohammad Siraj bowled one of the most memorable spells in recent Indian Test history.
- Match Figures: 8 wickets in the match.
- Second Innings Collapse: Siraj took 4 wickets in the final innings, triggering an English collapse and sealing a famous victory for India.
His aggressive celebrations, chest-thumping confidence, and precision bowling rattled England—and left even Joe Root impressed back then.
4. IPL 2023: The Powerplay King
In IPL 2023, Siraj emerged as one of the most lethal bowlers in the powerplay overs while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
- Economy under 6 in powerplay – unheard of for fast bowlers.
- Consistent early breakthroughs – he dismissed top-order batters like Jos Buttler, David Warner, and Shubman Gill.
- Became RCB’s go-to bowler: While others struggled, Siraj stood tall on flat pitches.
Siraj wasn’t just performing—he was evolving as a new-ball specialist and white-ball weapon.
5. Asia Cup 2023 Final: 6 Wickets in 21 Balls!
One of Siraj’s most shocking and breathtaking spells came in the final of the Asia Cup 2023 against Sri Lanka.
- Figures: 6 wickets for just 21 runs.
- Milestone: He became the fastest Indian to take 5 wickets in ODIs—just 16 balls!
- Result: Sri Lanka was bundled out for 50 runs, and India lifted the trophy in record time.
Siraj’s performance earned global praise, including from legends like Wasim Akram and Dale Steyn. Even Sri Lankan fans gave him a standing ovation.
6. West Indies Tour 2023: Leader of the Pace Attack
With senior bowlers like Bumrah rested or recovering, Siraj was entrusted to lead India’s pace attack in the Caribbean—and he did not disappoint.
- Match-Winning Spells: On slow pitches, Siraj extracted reverse swing, bounce, and seam movement.
- Fifer at Port of Spain: Siraj’s spell helped India secure a huge win.
It proved that Siraj is no longer a supporting act—he’s the main man, especially in overseas Tests.
7. Siraj’s Journey: From Auto Driver’s Son to Team India’s Pride
While individual matches matter, Siraj’s entire journey is perhaps the biggest surprise of all.
- Born into poverty in Hyderabad, his father drove an auto-rickshaw.
- Without coaching or facilities, he taught himself how to bowl fast.
- Rejected multiple times, Siraj didn’t give up.
- His rise through IPL, India A, and national team shows a resilience few can match.
Joe Root’s ‘warrior’ tag fits not just his bowling—but his life journey.
Joe Root’s Statement: Why It Matters
Joe Root has faced the best in the world—Bumrah, Anderson, Cummins. When a batter of his stature calls you a “warrior,” it’s not a courtesy—it’s earned respect.
- It reflects how opposition teams prepare differently for Siraj.
- It shows that Siraj’s aggression is no longer seen as emotion—it’s professionalism.
- And it tells fans that India has produced another match-winner, a fighter, a role model.
Conclusion: The Rise of the Warrior
In a team full of stars, Mohammad Siraj shines with heart. He’s not India’s fastest bowler. He doesn’t have the most variations. But what he has is unmatched fire, fight, and fearlessness—a rare mix that turns bowlers into legends.
Joe Root’s words are just the beginning of what the cricketing world is now realizing:
Mohammad Siraj is not just a bowler—he’s a warrior. And warriors don’t wait for the limelight; they earn it with blood, sweat, and belief.
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