Team India managed to draw the five-match Test series 2-2 after the final match at the Oval. The man behind the famous win was none other than star pacer Mohammed Sira. The Hyderabad cricketer showcased his relentless spirit and tireless work ethic across the five matches of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. However, did you know that he, the pacer, nearly matched the distance covered during the 31 Km Olympic Race Walk?
Siraj bowling effort covered the Distance of Three 10Ks on the Field
According to Olympic Khel, With a 14-meter run-up and an equal walk back after each delivery, Siraj covered an estimated 28 meters per ball. Over the course of 1,113 deliveries, that adds up to just over 31 kilometres, a staggering distance that’s only 4 kilometers short of the 35-kilometre Olympic race walk.
And unlike the measured pace of a race walker, Siraj charged in with fiery intent every single time he ran towards the bowling crease to bowl a delivery.
What makes this feat even more remarkable is that the 31 kilometres account solely for his bowling. Factor in the distances covered while fielding and batting, and Siraj’s total workload rises significantly.
To put it into perspective, his combined bowling run-up equals running the 10,000-meter event three times or completing six full 5,000-meter races.
Siraj takes inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo
Siraj while speaking top Dinesh Karthik in a post-match chat for Jio Hotstar said that his phone wallpaper after playing a crucial role in India's thrilling 6-run win over England in the fifth and final Test at The Oval, leveling the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series 2-2 on Monday.
The wallpaper featured football legend Cristiano Ronaldo alongside a single powerful word that fueled Siraj’s determination — ‘Believe’.
Speaking about it he said, “I woke up in the morning, checked Google on my phone, and took out a ‘Believe’ emoji wallpaper and told myself that I will do it for the country. I always believe that I can win the game from any point, and this morning was no different,"
Across the series, Siraj bowled 185.3 overs and claimed 23 wickets, delivering match-winning performances even in the absence of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, carving out a legacy of his own.