In a lighthearted moment that has taken the internet by storm, Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh playfully teased his teammate Mohammed Siraj regarding his famous quote, "I only believe in Jassi bhai". The incident occurred after Siraj's impressive performance in the second Test against England at Edgbaston, where he took six wickets and helped India gain a strong position in the match.
Siraj's original quote went viral after India's T20 World Cup 2024 victory against South Africa. Jasprit Bumrah's outstanding bowling in the final overs of that match was instrumental in India's win, leading Siraj to express his admiration for Bumrah. In an emotional post-match interview, Siraj had said, "I only believe on Jassi bhai, because game-changer player he is, only one guy – Jasprit Bumrah".
However, during the recent Test match against England, Siraj showcased his own capabilities by taking six wickets in the first innings, leading the Indian bowling attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. His performance played a crucial role in restricting England's total and giving India a significant lead.
Following the day's play, Siraj was giving an interview to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) when Arshdeep interrupted with a cheeky remark. With a mischievous grin, Arshdeep suggested that Siraj's famous dialogue needed an update. "Brother, there is a dialogue change," Arshdeep said. "I only believe in myself and Jassi bhai".
Arshdeep's playful comment not only brought a smile to Siraj's face but also highlighted the camaraderie and mutual respect within the Indian team. It also acknowledged Siraj's outstanding individual performance in the match.
Siraj's impressive performance in the Edgbaston Test has further solidified his position as a key member of the Indian pace attack. While he has always admired Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj has proven that he is capable of leading the attack and delivering match-winning performances. In fact, statistics show that Siraj has been more lethal in Tests when Bumrah is not in the playing XI, averaging 25.20 with 39 wickets in 15 Tests, compared to an average of 33.82 when playing alongside Bumrah.
Beyond his individual performance, Siraj also displayed great team spirit during the match. He praised fellow pacer Akash Deep, who took four wickets in his second Test match. Siraj even revealed that he offered to bowl less aggressively to give Akash Deep a better chance of taking a five-wicket haul. "I would have loved if Akash Deep would have taken a five-wicket haul today. Your first 5-wicket haul is special," Siraj said. "I told him that I would bowl 4 balls away from the stump to give him the best chance at taking 5, but he said no".
The camaraderie between Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj, as well as Siraj's supportive attitude towards his fellow bowlers, exemplifies the strong team spirit within the Indian cricket team. These moments of banter and mutual appreciation contribute to a positive and encouraging environment, which ultimately translates to better performances on the field.
