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    Siraj (2025) becomes the biggest Indian blockbuster in England since Simran & Raj (1995) as famous cricketers, fan armies and politicians gush | Cricket News

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    Siraj masterminded an astonishing comeback to power India to a six-run victory at the Oval. (PTI Photo)

    A day before he turned India’s fortunes pouring his heart out to bowl them to victory at the Oval, the Barmy Army Twitter handle had posted a strange angled face shot of Mohammed Siraj without a caption, leaving the replies open. It invited a few sniggering comments. Siraj would – as he has over the course of this tour – convert many to his brand of energetic cricket. The dropped six from a day ago, that clean bowled at Lord’s were still raw, but redemption was close.

    So when the victory finally came – and Siraj believed it would – the Bharat Army posted a simple post of its own. The official travelling group of India fans wrote, “The best thing about time is that it changes… Miyan’s success feels personal”

    But Team India can be said to have achieved the impossible – more impossible than winning after Brook, Root centuries in a Bazball chase: the compulsive human thesaurus Shashi Tharoor, was rendered wordless. “Words fail me….WHAT A WIN! 🇮🇳🏏,” the politician tweeted, an unprecedented occurence of words failing him. “Absolutely exhilarated & ecstatic for #TeamIndia on their series-clinching victory against England! The grit, determination, and passion on display were simply incredible. This team is special. I am sorry that I expressed a spasm of doubt about the outcome yesterday. But @mdsirajofficial never stopped believing! Shabash to our heroes‼️” he registered his delirium.

    Another politician Asaduddin Owaisi, who has played cricket in Hyderabad himself, noted, “Always a winner @mdsirajofficial! As we say in Hyderabadi, poora khol diye Pasha!” soon after Siraj sent Gus Atkinson’s stump cartwheeling.

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    Microsoft head Satya Nadella might just have realised no AI can mimic real human cricket, and he gushed about India’s team, the most followed team in cricket on earth while praising Test cricket. “🏏 25 days. 5 battles. Scores tied 2-2. This isn’t just a game — it’s Test Cricket in all its timeless glory. A series for the ages. Hats off to IND & ENG for the drama, grit, and greatness,” said the man invested in the HUNDRED but knowing value of the 5 day game.

    Praise poured in from other quarters for the rivetting series.

    Here are some of the nicest gushings for Siraj and India:

    Ben Stokes, England’s captain

    “I have always had great respect and admiration for Mohammed Siraj as a competitor. He just keeps coming coming and coming. You know he is always going to be in a fight with you. This is another example for what it means. In this game in particular, he kept going and going. Opposition and all that kinds of stuff (is okay), but I have always had respect and admiration for him. So, yeah, fair play to him.”

    Brendon McCullum, England’s coach

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    “It was a cracking series to be a part of and when Siraj took that final wicket, as much I was disappointed, I had admiration for him and the fight he has got as a cricketer and the way he was able to do what he did.”

    Sourav Ganguly, former India captain

    Siraj has never let this team down in any part of the world..such a treat to watch

    Michael Atherton, former England captain in his column for the Times

    “Mohammed Siraj, or ‘Siraj the Magnificent’ as he shall be known hereafter … Alongside side him [Shubman] arm-in-arm, was Siraj, cradling the match ball like a precious heirloom. He didn’t let it go this time. Having dropped Harry Brook the day before, it felt like Siraj had let the match and the series slip, but a simple image on his phone of the footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, with the words “Believe!” had given him strength.”

    Nasser Hussain, former England captain on Sky Sports

    “The final scoreline was well and truly deserved by India, and it was very fitting for Siraj to get the final wicket

    Mohammad Kaif, former India batsman

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    “It is often said one dropped catch can be the reason for your defeat. But Siraj’s miss would be forgotten, he will be remembered for his brave long bowling spells. This young Indian team gives it all.”

    Harry Brook, England’s batsman

    I thought we’ll easily take it home in the morning, but the way Siraj bowled, he deserved the success today. I thought the pitch would be flatter after the roller. But it zipped around under cloud. But Siraj has had a phenomenal series and a finish

    R Ashwin on his Youtube channel

    “In this series, he has bowled almost 200 overs and still running in hard. One mighty effort by Siraj. When Bumrah is playing, there are times when we forget Siraj completely. When Bumrah isn’t playing, Siraj does get the credit he richly deserves … When he first burst into the scene in the Gabba Test in 2020‑21, the outswinger was his most potent weapon. Siraj has managed to bring it back. He had lost it out for a while. With that in his arsenal now, he has become doubly effective.”

    Rishi Sunak, former British PM

    “Unbelievable. Gutted for England but WHAT a series. Brook and Root’s stand, India’s comeback, Woakes batting in a sling – iconic. Test cricket over five days…there’s nothing like it.”

    Mohammed Azharuddin, former India captain, politician; and Siraj’s fellow Hyderabadi

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    “Incredible win for India — holding off England by just 6 runs to level the series! @mdsirajofficial delivered under pressure with grit and class. Hyderabad’s son keeps making us proud.”

    Ishant Sharma, former international pace workhorse

    “Congratulations to Team India on an incredible fightback! The series ends 2-2, but the spirit and performance were absolutely outstanding. Proud of the resilience, passion, and unity shown throughout.”

    Naveen Patnaik, politician

    “Congratulate Indian Cricket Team on clinching a thrilling win over England in the final Test to level the series. The historic win will be fondly remembered and celebrated for a long time by cricket lovers. Wish the young Indian team all the very best for the future. #INDvsENG”

    Alex Carrey, Australia cricketer to CA

    “I think the whole series was pretty entertaining – the way it finished was pretty spectacular. To see five Test matches go five days is pretty unique. Seeing Woaksey walk out to bat was pretty courageous. I was probably backing them (England) to score the runs. I reckon once we saw Siraj bowl that first over (on day 5), there was quite a bit of movement with a 77-over old ball.”

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