Dinesh Karthik tries to slander Jasprit Bumrah in front of Mohammed Siraj, pacer reacts

In a five-match Test series filled with drama and intensity, Mohammed Siraj has taken charge like a true warrior and carried the burden of leading the pace attack in all matches in England. With Jasprit Bumrah being rested in two of the five Tests in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Mohammed Siraj has risen like a champion instead of crumbling under pressure.

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, while interviewing Siraj for Sky Cricket, couldn’t help but point out how consistently the fiery pacer has delivered in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence in the ongoing five-match Test series against England.

Mohammed Siraj steps up as India's fiery pace leader in England

Siraj has bowled over 155 intense overs across nine innings in England. The physical toll of such a marathon effort would wear down most bowlers, but not Siraj. Indian fast bowler looked sharp, hungry, and focused every single spell. His ability to attack the top order and clean up the tail has made a massive difference for India in the ongoing Test series against England.

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Read Also: Watch: Washington Sundar falls to Zak Crawley-Ollie Pope collision catch after destroying England in Oval Test

When Karthik asked Siraj about how he handles this extra pressure when Bumrah is rested to manage his workload, the Indian pacer simply explained his love for responsibility that shows in his performances, taking 18 wickets, and one inning still remains.

Siraj said that he enjoys stepping up when the stakes are high and wears the burden of leading India’s pace attack with pride, leaving Karthik stunned with his never-say-die attitude.

I enjoy the extra responsibility: Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj told Dinesh Karthik in an interview on Sky Sports on Day 3 of the fifth Test at the Oval, “To be honest, I love responsibility, but I also miss Jassi Bhai because he is a senior bowler; he leads by example as to what we need to bowl to various batsmen. I like that.”

Mohammed Siraj further noted, “When Jassi Bhai isn’t around, then you get that confidence that you need to shoulder extra responsibility, and I enjoy that. I don’t take extra pressure and try to keep things simple, I don’t think about breaking down.

I only think about the match, I love playing for the country, and I want to give everything to the country and I keep my plans simple and try to give my everything, and results do follow.”

"I love to play for the country" 🇮🇳💙

Mohammed Siraj speaks about DK what it takes for a fast bowler to last five Test matches 💪 pic.twitter.com/uxawWiwGr7

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 2, 2025

Not DK using internet slanders against Bumrah 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/IcS86gd225

— Sunil (@Hitting_Middle) August 2, 2025

England on the hunt, India eye fightback in final Test

Meanwhile, Day 3 of the fifth and final Test ended with England at 50.1, still needing 324 runs to win and seal the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy with a 3-1 series victory. Ben Duckett remains unbeaten on 34 and will be joined by Ollie Pope on Day 4 as England looks to pull off a tough chase against India at The Oval.

Read Also: Watch: ‘Angry’ Ravindra Jadeja nearly punches and destroys stumps after Oval Test dismissal

Earlier in the day, India set a massive target of 374 runs for the hosts. Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his dream run with his sixth Test century, while Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Akash Deep all have chipped in with important half-centuries to help India post a massive total.

With two full days left and everything on the line, both teams are still in the fight in the final Test at The Oval.