"I was his first captain and he was always like this" - Subramaniam Badrinath's massive claim on Team India star ahead of IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

Former Indian batter Subramaniam Badrinath hailed ace pacer Mohammed Siraj for his incredible commitment at all times ahead of the home Test series against South Africa. Recalling his experience of captaining Siraj, Badrinath said he often had to stop Siraj from over-bowling even on a sunny day with no assistance in the pitch.

The 31-year-old is coming off a memorable Test tour of England, where India drew the series 2-2. Siraj was the leading wicket-taker in the series with 23 scalps, including nine in India's series-leveling Oval Test victory.

Talking about the veteran seamer's inimitable commitment, Badrinath said on Star Sports (22:12):

"I was his first captain, and he was always like this. He was born with that ability. Many bowlers, when I was the captain, would hide in the afternoon session, fearing I'd give them the ball. But Siraj is the exact opposite. He'll keep asking me if I can bowl till the time I say, ' It's okay, enough, you can bowl later'. But any ball under any conditions, hot or cold, he'll give his 100%."

Siraj has continued his excellent form from the England tour, picking up 10 scalps in India's most recent 2-0 Test series win against the West Indies.

"He's an underrated workhorse" - Subramaniam Badrinath

Subramaniam Badrinah believes Mohammed Siraj has been an underrated bowler who has been India's workhorse across all conditions and situations. The right-arm pacer has picked up at least 40 wickets across formats in each of the last four international seasons, including bowling more than 281 overs in the ongoing season.

"He's an underrated workhorse. Siraj has bowled the highest number of overs the last two years in Indian cricket. There's a 100-over difference between him and Bumrah. That's how much he has bowled. Having a bowler like him is a boon for the captain. Even when the ball is old and the pitch is flat, Siraj willingly takes the ball and runs in at 100%," said Badrinath (via the aforementioned source).

Siraj is likely to share the new ball with Jasprit Bumrah when the first India-South Africa Test begins in Kolkata on Friday, November 14.