Siraj's "Contagious" Team Spirit and Relentless Drive Earns Praise from Williamson

Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson on Tuesday praised India pacer Mohammed Siraj for his relentless commitment and the infectious attitude he brings to the team. Speaking at the CEAT Cricket Awards, Williamson highlighted how Siraj’s dedication and work ethic have set him apart since his early days in the IPL.

“I got to know him early in his career before he represented India, observing his talent as a young cricketer for Sunrisers in the IPL,” Williamson said.

Siraj, who has steadily established himself in India’s pace attack, has impressed with his willingness to take responsibility and bowl long spells even in challenging situations. Williamson emphasised the qualities that make him stand out:

“What sets him apart is his relentless commitment to putting the team first and his desire to take the ball, even when the game might not be moving. He always wants to be the player who changes the game by bowling long spells, and this attitude is contagious within the team.”

Over the past year, Siraj has produced several match-defining performances. Notably, he took a brilliant four-wicket haul in the first innings of the Ahmedabad Test against the West Indies, setting up India’s win by an innings and 140 runs. He also played a key role in India’s 2-2 draw in the Test series in England earlier this year, proving his ability to perform in diverse conditions and against top-quality opposition.

Williamson drew a comparison with former New Zealand pacer Neil Wagner, known for his resilience and workhorse approach in Tests.

“In New Zealand, we had a similar presence in Neil Wagner, who would always take on challenges without backing down. Mohammed Siraj embodies that spirit,” Williamson said.

Siraj’s performances have become increasingly important as India manages the workload of other key pacers like Jasprit Bumrah. His readiness to step in and deliver, regardless of conditions or match situations, has been critical for India’s pace attack.

Williamson’s praise reflects not only Siraj’s skill but also the example he sets through his preparation, focus, and determination to give his best for the team. His attitude, as Williamson noted, is contagious and inspires those around him, reinforcing the value of commitment, consistency, and a team-first mindset in modern cricket.

With his blend of talent, endurance, and positive energy, Siraj has become a standout performer for India, earning recognition from cricketing peers around the world.