Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has achieved a remarkable milestone in his international cricket career. On Day 2 of the ongoing fifth and final Test against England, Siraj claimed four crucial wickets. With this performance, he completed 200 international wickets, entering an elite list of Indian bowlers.
More significantly, this feat helped Siraj surpass a surprising name on the wicket-takers list — Sachin Tendulkar. With these wickets, Siraj now has 203 international wickets, overtaking the Master Blaster’s tally of 201.
Siraj’s Breakthrough Spell Helps India Regain Control
India faced early pressure in the fifth Test of the IND vs ENG series, but Siraj’s 4-wicket burst turned the tide. His disciplined spell not only restricted England’s total but also gave India a chance to take a first-innings lead.
After bundling out England for 247, India finished the day at 75/2, adding to their earlier 224-run total. With a 52-run lead, India now holds a slight advantage heading into Day 3.
Tendulkar’s Bowling Record Surpassed by a Specialist Pacer
While Sachin Tendulkar was known for his unmatched batting legacy, he also contributed with the ball. Over his long international career, Tendulkar managed to take 201 wickets with his part-time spin. Many of those breakthroughs came at crucial moments, making him a useful bowling option.
However, Siraj, a full-time pacer, has now surpassed Tendulkar in total international wickets. With 203 wickets, Siraj has entered the top 25 list of Indian bowlers in international cricket.
Siraj Becomes the 25th Indian with 200 or More International Wickets
Mohammed Siraj has become the 25th Indian bowler to take 200 or more wickets across formats. His journey from domestic cricket to becoming a key part of India’s pace attack is inspiring.
Siraj’s consistency in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is has made him a trusted name. His performances, especially in overseas Tests, have earned praise from fans and experts alike. With age on his side, he is expected to climb higher in the list of top Indian wicket-takers.
Top Indian Bowlers in International Cricket
India’s list of top international wicket-takers is led by Anil Kumble, who has an incredible 953 wickets in 401 matches. Known as “Jumbo”, Kumble is still the only Indian to go beyond the 900-wicket mark in international cricket.
Following him is Ravichandran Ashwin, who has taken 765 international wickets. Ashwin remains a dominant force in both Tests and limited-overs formats.
Harbhajan Singh ranks third with 707 wickets. These three are the only Indian bowlers to have taken over 700 international wickets to date.
Among currently active players, Ravindra Jadeja is the closest to this group with 615 wickets. Jadeja continues to be a vital all-rounder for India, contributing regularly in all formats.
Siraj’s Position Among Indian Bowlers
With his recent performance, Mohammed Siraj ranks 23rd among India’s all-time leading wicket-takers in international cricket. His fast rise in the rankings has surprised many, considering his relatively short career span so far.
Unlike some of the legendary names ahead of him, Siraj is a pure pacer and operates in all three formats. This versatility gives him an edge in adding to his wicket tally in coming years.
From IPL Success to Test Heroics
Siraj’s journey began with impressive spells in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he grabbed attention with his pace and aggression. He transitioned quickly into international cricket, becoming part of India’s new generation of fast bowlers.
His most notable achievements have come in Test cricket, especially during overseas tours. He played a key role in India’s historic Test series win in Australia and has continued to deliver crucial spells in England and South Africa.
Siraj’s Future in Indian Cricket
At just 31, Siraj has several years of cricket ahead. His fitness, consistency, and hunger for wickets make him a long-term asset. With India set to play multiple Test series and global tournaments in the coming years, Siraj could soon challenge some of the names above him on the wicket-takers list.
If he continues at this pace, breaking the 300-wicket mark in the next few years seems likely. His ability to swing the ball and maintain pressure in long spells suits India’s overseas strategies perfectly.
India vs England Test Series: The Bigger Picture
Siraj’s performance comes at a crucial time in the India vs England Test series 2025. With the series finely poised, the fifth Test holds major importance for the final result. India’s bowlers, especially the pacers, have played a big role in keeping the team competitive.
Siraj’s 4-wicket haul in the final Test not only helped India take the lead but also injected momentum into the match. His efforts are a reminder of how important pace bowlers have become in modern Indian cricket.
Mohammed Siraj’s achievement of reaching 203 international wickets and surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s bowling record is both historic and symbolic. It marks the evolution of Indian cricket, where fast bowlers are now leading the charge in all formats.
As Siraj climbs the ranks of India’s top wicket-takers, fans can expect more match-winning spells. His rise from humble beginnings to breaking records on international stages showcases his determination and skill.
With strong support from team management and growing experience, Siraj’s best may still be ahead of him. As India builds towards future tournaments, Siraj will remain central to their bowling plans.
