Siraj's Performance Faces Scrutiny After India's First Test Loss to England: Kaif Calls for Strategic Bowling

Siraj Under Fire: Kaif Criticizes Bowler After Test Defeat

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has voiced his concerns regarding Mohammed Siraj's bowling performance following India's five-wicket loss to England in the first Test at Headingley.

Mohammed Siraj of India (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Despite the Headingley pitch offering minimal assistance to bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah managed to secure a five-wicket haul in the first innings. Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj claimed three and two wickets respectively; however, both conceded runs at high economy rates, 6.40 and 4.50 respectively.

The Indian bowling performance further declined in the second innings. England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett forged a formidable 188-run partnership while chasing a target of 371 runs. England ultimately achieved the target with five wickets to spare.

Krishna and Shardul Thakur each picked up two wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja took one. Notably, both Bumrah and Siraj went wicketless, despite bowling 19 and 14 overs respectively. Siraj's total wicket count for the match stood at two from 41 overs.

"People say Mohammed Siraj tried very hard, bowls with his heart. Sir, don't bowl with your heart, bowl with your mind and with line and length where we can get wickets," Kaif stated on his YouTube channel.

"Why didn't Bumrah take wickets in the second innings? It's because the batters played defensively. They attacked Krishna, Shardul, and Siraj. The game plan becomes very easy when you know Bumrah will bowl 4-5 overs, play him well," Kaif explained.

"In the same bowling lineup, you give him (Gill) Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, and Bumrah. I guarantee you Gill will win this Test series. Those are the bowlers who know how to take 20 wickets," Kaif concluded.

IND vs ENG Series Schedule:

• 1st Test: England v India, 20-24 June 2025, Headingley, Leeds – England won by 5 wickets
• 2nd Test: England v India, 2-6 July 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham
• 3rd Test: England v India, 10-14 July 2025, Lord’s, London
• 4th Test: England v India, 23-27 July 2025, Old Trafford, Manchester
• 5th Test: England v India, 31 July-4 August 2025, The Oval, London