Mohammed Siraj on WTC: “South Africa Tour Will Be Crucial for India’s Championship Ambitions”

Description :

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj calls the upcoming South Africa Test series a “defining challenge” in the World Test Championship cycle, emphasizing the team’s hunger to win overseas.

Published on:

12 November 2025 | 08:45 PM (GMT+05:30, IST, India)
Author: Mr. Dibakar Mandal

Introduction

As India gears up for the much-anticipated Test series against South Africa, fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has described the contest as a “crucial and defining battle” in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle. Speaking to reporters ahead of the team’s departure, Siraj highlighted the team’s focus on starting strong in the new WTC season and breaking their long-standing winless streak in South Africa.

Siraj’s Perspective: “Every Session Will Count”

In a pre-tour media interaction, Siraj, who has evolved into one of India’s frontline pacers across formats, said that consistency and discipline would be key to success in the series.

“We know how tough South Africa can be, both in terms of conditions and opposition. Every session will count. This series isn’t just about points — it’s about proving that India can dominate anywhere,” said Siraj.

He added that India’s pace attack has matured over the years, with Jasprit Bumrah, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep bringing variety and balance to the lineup. Siraj, who played a pivotal role in India’s victories during the last WTC cycle, stressed that the team’s goal is to begin the new championship with intent and momentum.

The Importance of the South Africa Tour

For India, the South Africa Test series remains one of the biggest challenges in world cricket. Despite achieving memorable wins in England and Australia, India is yet to win a Test series on South African soil — a record that players like Siraj are eager to change.

The upcoming two-Test series, part of the WTC 2025–27 calendar, will be decisive in setting the tone for India’s campaign. With matches scheduled in Johannesburg and Cape Town, both known for their pace-friendly pitches, the series offers a stern test of adaptability and resilience.

“We’ve learned from past tours. Our bowling unit understands what it takes now — bowling in the right areas, maintaining pressure, and backing each other when the going gets tough,” Siraj remarked.

Team India’s WTC Ambition

After finishing runners-up in the last two WTC Finals (2021 and 2023), India’s focus this cycle is clear — to lift the championship mace. Head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma have both spoken about the need to balance workload management with winning consistency, particularly in away conditions.

Siraj echoed that sentiment, saying,

“We’re not looking too far ahead. But yes, we know that winning in South Africa would give us a huge boost — mentally and on the points table. That’s our immediate target.”

Analysts Weigh In

Cricket experts have supported Siraj’s comments, emphasizing that India’s fast bowling depth gives them their best chance yet in South Africa.

Former South African cricketer Shaun Pollock noted in a recent podcast that India’s attack now has “the perfect mix of control, aggression, and reverse-swing ability,” while Indian analyst Sanjay Manjrekar added that Siraj’s evolution into a reliable strike bowler “symbolizes India’s modern-day adaptability in foreign conditions.”

A New Era for Indian Pace

Mohammed Siraj’s journey from Hyderabad’s local circuits to leading India’s pace attack on global stages is often cited as a reflection of India’s bowling revolution. Over the past five years, Siraj has grown into a consistent performer — known for his aggression, swing, and relentless energy.

His leadership on and off the field has made him a crucial figure, especially in transitions when senior pacers like Mohammed Shami are being rested or rotated.

“When I bowl for India, I feel responsibility — not pressure. We’ve set high standards, and I want to continue that legacy,” Siraj concluded confidently.

Conclusion

The South Africa tour is not just another bilateral series — it’s a litmus test for India’s WTC campaign and a symbolic quest for dominance in overseas conditions. Mohammed Siraj’s passionate words capture the spirit of a team ready to embrace challenges head-on.

If India can translate that mindset into performance, the 2025–27 WTC cycle could finally bring them the glory that has narrowly eluded them twice before.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What did Mohammed Siraj say about the South Africa series?
Siraj called the series a “crucial battle” in India’s World Test Championship journey and emphasized that every session would be key to success.

2. When will India’s Test series against South Africa take place?
The two-Test series is scheduled for December 2025, with matches in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

3. What is India’s record in South Africa?
India has never won a Test series in South Africa, though they have managed notable Test victories in recent tours.

4. Why is this series important for the WTC?
The matches are part of the new WTC 2025–27 cycle, and winning overseas carries additional weight in the points standings.

5. Who are the key bowlers in India’s squad for the tour?
India’s pace attack features Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep, providing both experience and new energy.

External Resources and References

• ESPNcricinfo – Mohammed Siraj on South Africa Tour and WTC Goals
• The Hindu – India’s WTC Journey: Siraj Emphasizes Overseas Consistency
• BBC Sport – India Eyes Historic Test Win in South Africa as WTC Begins
• NDTV Sports – Mohammed Siraj Calls SA Series “Most Important” for India’s WTC Start
• Reuters – Siraj: India’s WTC Ambitions Begin with South Africa Challenge