Mohammed Siraj is Team India's senior pacer, jester, cheerleader and neo-Jonty Rhodes, all rolled into one

While India’s new bowling star Akash Deep was busy giving an interview to broadcasters, talking about his 6/99 and the team’s historic 336-run win, his senior pace partner Mohammed Siraj walked in the frame unannounced. “Kuch mera bola, tune? (Did you say anything about me?),” he said, with that goofy smile pasted on his face. Akash Deep mumbled something about his press conference comment but Siraj wasn't listening. “I kept telling him, don’t go for wickets, and just concentrate on line and length. After every over | would tell him this.”

- GNS News Agency, July 15

Till a few months back, no one would have known India had so many leaders in its ranks. In a team with stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, R Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah; there was always too much wisdom and ideas galore on the field. For the juniors, there was nothing much to do, except to loiter around between overs, also known as ‘garden mei ghumna’.This England series has been about the arrival of that ‘apna time aayega’ generation, not just for the new captain but also for new seniors — vicecaptain Rishabh Pant and the leader of the bowling pack in Bumrah’s absence, Siraj. Now you can see them on the central square, hear them often on the stump mic — it's their time to have a say in the way the team plays. The apprentices have become the decision-makers and they aren't embarrassed to say that they are loving it.After getting the six wickets in the first innings and showing English bowlers the way to bowl on the pitch where they had conceded 587, Siraj was informed about his unique record by former India player turned commentator Deep Dasgupta. When bowling abroad in Bumrah’s absence, Siraj's bowling average dips significantly. From taking a wicket after every 32 balls, he does so in just 23 when he is leading the attack.“l love responsibility, | love challenges. Life mei kaafi challenge dekha hu wahan se ubhar ke aaya hu toh pasand hai mujhko challenge (I have seen many challenges in life, | have emerged from that tough situation and | love challenges). Whenever there is responsibility on me, | fulfill them very well,” he said.Siraj’s father was a rickshaw driver and mother a house help. They lived on the other side of the track, struggling to make ends meet. Siraj took up cricket seriously because he wanted his parents