ENG Vs IND: Mohammed Siraj’s Brother Reveals The Secret To His Fitness And Mental Strength After Oval Win

Indian cricket fans were treated to one of the most unforgettable finales in recent memory, as the national team pulled off a jaw-dropping six-run win against England at The Oval. On a day that promised heartbreak, it was Mohammed Siraj who transformed despair into ecstasy with a blistering spell of fast bowling that will be remembered as one of the greatest rescue acts in Test history.

What unfolded on Day 5 was nothing short of a sporting miracle. With England needing just 35 runs to win and four wickets in hand, the game seemed done and dusted. But Mohammed Siraj, defying all odds and expectations, turned the match on its head with raw pace, unrelenting aggression, and surgical precision.

The Hero of the Hour: Siraj’s Spellbinding Five-Wicket Haul

Siraj’s match-winning figures – 5 for 33 in his final spell – didn’t just change the outcome of a Test match. They redefined what it means to never give up. With the ball reversing slightly and the pitch offering uneven bounce, Siraj honed in on the stumps and dismantled England’s lower order with venomous deliveries that cut through resistance like a knife through butter.

Every ball was bowled with intent. Every celebration was a roar of belief. When Siraj cleaned up James Anderson to seal the win, the entire Indian camp erupted — not just because they had won a match, but because they had been led to it by a man whose journey is rooted in grit and sacrifice.

Behind the Warrior: The Man Who Lives for Discipline

Mohammed Siraj’s brother, Mohammed Ismail, has now offered fans a glimpse into the dedication and personal discipline that power his brother’s performances. Speaking to India Today, Ismail revealed a side of Siraj that very few get to see — a man who sacrifices his favorites, like the iconic Hyderabadi biryani, for the sake of his fitness.

“Even living in Hyderabad, he rarely eats biryani — maybe occasionally, and only if it’s homemade. But no pizzas or fast food, he’s very disciplined about his body,” Ismail shared.

While fans may cheer for boundaries and wickets, it’s the silent choices — the skipped cheat meals, the early-morning gym sessions, and the quiet hours of self-improvement — that shape legends. Siraj’s clean lifestyle and tireless work ethic were on full display at The Oval, as he bowled with a ferocity that came from months of preparation, not just raw talent.

Resilience Over Rejection: The Champions Trophy Snub

For many athletes, being dropped from a major tournament like the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 would be a massive blow. But not for Siraj.

“He never gives up,” said Ismail. “Even when he wasn’t selected for the Champions Trophy squad, he didn’t let it demotivate him. Instead, he worked even harder. He hit the gym, practiced twice a day — morning and evening. He identified what was missing and fixed it.”

It’s this mindset — of responding to rejection with renewed energy — that makes Siraj more than just a fast bowler. It makes him a symbol of perseverance. His comeback at The Oval wasn’t just redemption; it was a statement that he belongs among the best in the world.

The Oval Test: A Battle of Nerves

England’s chase of 227 looked like a formality when they were 192/6. The sun was out, the crowd buzzing, and the English middle order looked composed. But what followed was a complete reversal of momentum, a psychological choke engineered by Siraj’s mastery of pressure bowling.

He dismissed the well-set Ollie Pope with a sharp in-swinger that trapped him plumb in front. From there, it was carnage. Chris Woakes was undone by a searing yorker. Mark Wood fell to a cleverly disguised slower ball. Suddenly, from 192/6, England were all out for 220. The stadium went silent. Siraj had stunned the cricketing world.

Reactions from the Cricketing Fraternity

The praise came pouring in.

Rahul Dravid, India’s head coach, said, “This wasn’t just skill, it was heart. Siraj gave it everything — body, mind, and soul.”
Virat Kohli, Siraj’s longtime supporter, tweeted, “This is why you believe. This is why you never stop backing talent like Siraj. Pure gold.”
Michael Vaughan, former England captain, admitted on-air, “That was world-class bowling. England were cruising. Siraj simply refused to let them win.”

Siraj: The Symbol of New India’s Fighting Spirit

In many ways, Mohammed Siraj represents the changing face of Indian cricket. Gone are the days of crumbling under pressure. Today’s cricketers rise when the moment demands. Siraj, a son of a Hyderabad auto-rickshaw driver, has become a beacon for young Indians chasing greatness with limited resources but limitless dreams.

His journey from bowling tennis-ball cricket on the streets of Hyderabad to defending a small total at The Oval is not just inspiring — it’s historic.

What Lies Ahead?

With this performance, Siraj has forced the selectors to rethink their pace combinations. His exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad now looks even more glaring. But if his brother’s words and his own work ethic are anything to go by, Siraj isn’t looking for sympathy. He’s looking for excellence.

The team’s next challenge will be the Border-Gavaskar Trophy later this year. With Siraj back at his fiery best, he’s almost certain to lead India’s pace attack alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.

Fan Reactions: A Nation Celebrates

Across India, the win sparked late-night celebrations. From Twitter to Instagram, fans hailed the team’s never-say-die spirit, with hashtags like #SirajTheSaviour and #OvalMiracle trending for hours.

In Hyderabad, Siraj’s home colony lit up with fireworks. Videos circulated online of kids waving the tricolor and chanting his name. The city that raised him was now saluting its hero.

More Than Just a Win

The Oval victory wasn’t just about numbers or statistics. It was about belief. It was about character. It was about one man standing tall when everyone else had counted India out.

Mohammed Siraj may not always be the poster boy of Indian cricket, but on that unforgettable day in London, he was the heartbeat of a billion dreams.

And if the words of his brother are any indication, this is just the beginning.