Puzzling Siraj

[rkt.india]

It's really puzzling, flabbergasting. What to make of Siraj.

 

In this 5 test series. Siraj played 3 tests alongside Bumrah. Bumrah in those three tests picked 14 wickets at 26 with two fifers. One of those tests i.e. Old Trafford, Bumrah played half fit so lacked his usual penetration.

 

In the same three tests, Siraj picked 7 wickets at an average of whopping 61. 

 

The two tests Siraj played without Bumrah at Edgebaston and Oval, he picked 16 wickets at 19 with two fifers.  

 

On Aus tour, on much more bowling friendly tracks where Bumrah was breathing fire averaged 13 picking 32 wickets, Siraj averaged 31 which proved decisive in losing that series.

 

Why is Siraj not able perform even half as good with Bumrah than he did without Bumrah?

 

Does Bumrah squeeze all his power and motivation out when they play together?

Edited August 4, 2025 by rkt.india

[Lord]

He takes it easy. Knows he won't be rested like Bumrah 

 

His performances came in wins too

[rkt.india]

3 minutes ago, Lord said:

He takes it easy. Knows he won't be rested like Bumrah 

 

His performances came in wins too

But that's hurting Siraj too. Despite picking 26 wickets, he was so bad in those three tests that his average this series is still 32. 

 

 Bumrah was not rested on Aus tour.

Edited August 4, 2025 by rkt.india

[Lord]

Just now, rkt.india said:

But that's hurting Siraj too. Despite picking 26 wickets, he was so bad in those three tests that his average this series is still 32. 

He doesn't know how to stop runs like Bumrah or Ishant. Is a strike bowler hence goes for quick runs. Teams tend to play out Bumrah too 

[singhvivek141]

My guess is that he is in awe of Bumrah.

 

Simply cant concentrate when Bumrah is at the other end. Shami didnt had this issue and hence he was a perfect partner to Bumrah, Siraj fails to do so.

 

Australia series, Bumrah was the one man army. Was picking up wkts left right and center while Siraj barring few exceptions was simply just pitching the ball with not much effort.

 

Also, Siraj historically does well in England. Australia is his weak zone. Bumrah on the other hand enjoys Australia much more than England.

[Need4Speed]

Seems..Responsibility..makes him to perform better..

even when Boom was out of ODIs for an extended period of time..Siraj became numbet 1 odi bolwer for a brief time..

 

In presence of Boom..he knows bada bhai is there..toh may be he relaxes and lose some focus and intensity..

Edited August 4, 2025 by Need4Speed

[Lord]

7 minutes ago, singhvivek141 said:

My guess is that he is in awe of Bumrah.

 

Simply cant concentrate when Bumrah is at the other end. Shami didnt had this issue and hence he was a perfect partner to Bumrah, Siraj fails to do so.

 

Australia series, Bumrah was the one man army. Was picking up wkts left right and center while Siraj barring few exceptions was simply just pitching the ball with not much effort.

 

Also, Siraj historically does well in England. Australia is his weak zone. Bumrah on the other hand enjoys Australia much more than England.

I believe in only Jassi bhai what a game changer 

[maniac]

Maybe batsmen play Bumrah out and over attack him. He still picks up wickets but goes for runs.

 

when he is the main bowler usually some other trundler  is playing so they minimize risks against Siraj so he picks up a lot more wickets and his average also looks better.

[BacktoCricaddict]

ICFers discussing Siraj

 

 

[rkt.india]

39 minutes ago, maniac said:

Maybe batsmen play Bumrah out and over attack him. He still picks up wickets but goes for runs.

 

when he is the main bowler usually some other trundler  is playing so they minimize risks against Siraj so he picks up a lot more wickets and his average also looks better.

No. He doesn't pick wickets. He picked 7 wickets in three tests with Bumrah.

[gattaca]

He just doesn’t take responsibility when bumrah is in the team. It also looks like a confidence thing. He just needs to believe in himself that he can be a leader. Gill also has to show confidence in him. 

[BacktoCricaddict]

11 minutes ago, gattaca said:

He just doesn’t take responsibility when bumrah is in the team. It also looks like a confidence thing. He just needs to believe in himself that he can be a leader. Gill also has to show confidence in him. 

Hopefully this is a turning point. And TM can tell him that, if JB is there, we can have 2 spearheads. 

[Ultimate_Game]

Can think of the following reasons. Actual reason can be one of those or combination:

 

1. When Bumrah plays, opponents are focused on being extra cautious against him and try to attack others a bit more. And Siraj doesn't handle being attacked that well. We've seen that in shorter formats.

 

2. Siraj tries extra hard to match Bumrah. He needs to understand that Bumrah is Bumrah and no point in matching him. He needs to understand he doesn't need to try extra-hard or do anything different. When Bumrah isn't there he has no pressure to match Bumrah and as a result bowls better.

 

3. When Bumrah isn't playing, opponents take it easy as they consider Bumrah as the main threat. They let their guard down and Siraj is able to capitalize.

 

But would like to see Siraj's pitch map and his control of line & length when Bumrah is playing and when he isn't. Would give a much better idea. If there's a difference in his line & length and pitch map, the reason is point 2. If there's no significant difference between pitch maps with or without Bumrah, then it's combination of 1 and 3.

Edited August 4, 2025 by Ultimate_Game

[express bowling]

Siraj is someone who performs ONLY when he is full of Josh. He is not a consistent performer.

 

When Bumrah is not present, Captains probably say, " Miya, only you can win it for us ". And he responds with Josh.

 

When Bumrah is there, captains depend on Bumrah much more and this does not light the fire of Siraj bhai.

[vvvslaxman]

 India should try to open with Siraj and someone else in Bumrah matches. Use Bumrah as a partnership breaker. This way both can click. Jokes aside Bumrah's presence made Ishant better bowler.

[deathmonger]

2 hours ago, singhvivek141 said:

My guess is that he is in awe of Bumrah.

 

Simply cant concentrate when Bumrah is at the other end. Shami didnt had this issue and hence he was a perfect partner to Bumrah, Siraj fails to do so.

 

Australia series, Bumrah was the one man army. Was picking up wkts left right and center while Siraj barring few exceptions was simply just pitching the ball with not much effort.

 

Also, Siraj historically does well in England. Australia is his weak zone. Bumrah on the other hand enjoys Australia much more than England.

Naah.

 

Siraj averaged better in Aus than Eng pre 2024-25 BGT. Averaged 29.53 in Aus and 34 in England. 

 

Even this time he averaged better in BGT actually (but ofc those pitches were also bowling friendly).

 

He averages 30.51 in Aus and 33.21 in England.

 

His stats are skewed cause of his poor home record (37). He averages 29.58 away.

[Number]

Because when Bumrah plays - He only believes in Jassi bhai.

 

When Bumrah is not playing, he has to believe in himself. 

[tapandrun]

Would be interested to know Siraj's pace with and without Bhumrah.

[straighttalk]

8 hours ago, Lord said:

He takes it easy. Knows he won't be rested like Bumrah 

 

His performances came in wins too

He said something in the interview that when jassi is performing his focus is not to let the batsman get loose runs...and keep up the pressure..I think he stops looking for wickets..

[express bowling]

4 hours ago, tapandrun said:

Would be interested to know Siraj's pace with and without Bhumrah.

 

Check the Speeds and Performances thread. I have posted this stat. Siraj was generally quicker in the matches without Bumrah.