'Mohammed Siraj has inspired youngsters...': Jasprit Bumrah told to stop whining about workload

Former India National Cricket Team all-rounder Irfan Pathan has taken a sly dig at the pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah while showering praise on the star speedster Mohammed Siraj.

Irfan Pathan said that Mohammed Siraj has inspired the youngsters with his heroics in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, where he gave it all for the country and bowled his heart out.

Mohammed Siraj outshines Jasprit Bumrah in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

The Hyderabad pacer Siraj was at his exceptional best in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 against the England National Cricket Team, and he outshone the World No.1 bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

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Siraj played all five matches of the series, showcasing top-notch fitness levels, and even on the 25th day of the play, he was breathing fire.

Overall, Mohammed Siraj took 23 wickets in 9 innings at an average of 32.43 and finished as the leading wicket-taker in the series between India and England.

On the other hand, Bumrah faced heavy criticism because of his 'pick-and-choose' act. Notably, the pacer featured in three out of five Test matches in order to manage his workload.

It was a pre-determined plan heading into the five-match Test series, and he received a green light from the BCCI. Bumrah chose to play the first, third, and fourth games, where he bowled 119.4 overs and picked 14 wickets.

I actually called up my son and asked him to watch Mohammed Siraj play - Irfan Pathan

In an interaction with RevSportz, Irfan Pathan recalled how he was in awe of Mohammed Siraj's inspirational performance and told his son to watch the pacer's bowling in the final Test at the Kennington Oval in London. He elaborated:

"I think it was also one of the best series in Test cricket whose commentary panel I was a part of. Also, from the point of view of where I was watching the last game at home, I actually called up my son – who was playing in his room – and asked him to watch Mohammed Siraj play.

"I told him how much that guy has struggled in his earlier days due to lack of facilities, which is quite similar to my situation. His father was an Auto Rickshaw driver. Siraj’s journey from there to where he has reached now is a journey-of-a-lifetime inspiration. He has inspired youngsters irrespective of where they belong.

"When you see Mohammed Siraj bowl the kind of spell he bowled on the last day, you get inspired. His determination to not think about anything else, and just to make sure to win the game for the country, was what he did. Starting speed of 135 (kmph) to a speed of 145 on the fifth day of the fifth Test match is unbelievable. It shows the kind of effort that he has made for himself, his team and his country. I think it was the one of the best series we have played."

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When are you playing for India and you’re there, It’s like a war - Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan further took a sly dig at Jasprit Bumrah, saying that him prioritising his workload over the team's needs put pressure on coaches, captain, and other players.

The former India all-rounder added that playing for the country is like going to war, and players should take inspiration from Mohammed Siraj's performance. Irfan Pathan also emphasized on skipping matches against lower-ranked teams to play all important matches against the likes of England and Australia. He elaborated:

"When are you playing for India and you’re there, It’s like a war. When playing in a team, the first responsibility is towards your team. Everything (else) comes second. Country is definitely there, but the first and foremost, responsibility of a player is towards the team that you cannot let down.

"When the series is on, things are pretty difficult to manage – leadership, coaches, captain, et cetera – so the pressure directly falls on the other person if you think a lot about workload. I have spoken a lot about this and people might have taken those words in a different way, but as ex-cricketers, we feel so proud when India wins.

"I know it’s not possible that every time we will win, but the right thing has to be done every time and the right thing is, once you go on the field, you have to think the way Siraj thought. I’m not saying no one else thinks that way, but some have different criteria in terms of mindset or past injuries or the way the body reacts."