Mohammed Siraj Rockets to Career-High 15th in ICC Test Rankings After Stunning 9-Wicket Haul at The Oval

India’s pace spearhead Mohammed Siraj has surged to a career-best 15th position in the ICC Test bowling rankings following a sensational nine-wicket match haul in the thrilling fifth and final Test against England at The Oval in August 2025. Siraj’s relentless bowling was instrumental in India’s nail-biting six-run victory, which leveled the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series 2-2 and marked one of the most dramatic finishes in recent Test history.

Siraj, aged 31, delivered a masterclass performance over the course of the five-Test series, emerging as the leading wicket-taker with 23 dismissals in nine innings. His match figures of 9 for 190 at The Oval are the best ever by an Indian at this historic venue, surpassing B.S. Chandrasekhar’s previous record of 8/114. The right-arm speedster claimed four wickets in England’s first innings and a career-best five in the second, including the decisive last-ball yorker that bowled Gus Atkinson when England needed just seven runs to win.

India coach and cricket experts have lauded Siraj’s stamina and mental toughness. Former Indian captain Sachin Tendulkar praised his “heart of a lion” to bowl at near 90 mph deep into the match. Siraj himself reflected emotionally on his journey, acknowledging the support of teammates and the inspiration drawn from India’s cricketing legends. Fans greeted him with cheers and waving Indian flags upon his return to Hyderabad, underscoring his rise from humble beginnings to international acclaim.

Siraj’s rise to 15th in the ICC rankings reflects a jump of 12 places since before the match, exceeding his prior best of 16. He now joins Jasprit Bumrah, India’s number one ranked Test bowler, as one of the only two Indians in the top 15 globally. Bumrah, despite playing only three Tests in the series, led all bowlers with 889 points, while Siraj’s consistent effort and volume of overs bowled—185.3 in the series—underscore his value to the team.

This performance also saw Siraj overtake legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev for the number of Test wickets taken in England, moving past Dev’s 43 wickets to reach 46. He trails only Bumrah and Ishant Sharma among Indians in England wicket tallies. His ability to maintain a 4.02 economy rate despite the workload further illustrates his skill and fitness.

The Oval Test was marked by intense pressure, with England needing just 35 runs and four wickets in hand on the final day. Siraj’s fiery spell, combining pace, seam movement, and clinical yorkers, dismantled England’s hopes, delivering a dramatic conclusion to an epic series that tested resilience and character on both sides.

Experts like cricket analyst Paul Mitchell have noted the real-life impact of such performances in boosting team morale and inspiring younger players. Siraj’s showing affirms India’s growing depth in fast bowling talent, crucial for challenging conditions abroad.

Going forward, Siraj will look to maintain his form as India prepares for upcoming international fixtures, with expectations high that his rise in rankings is just the beginning of a distinguished career peak. The young Indian bowling unit, complemented by Prasidh Krishna’s own impressive showing at The Oval, signals a promising future in the fast bowling department.

In summary, Mohammed Siraj’s breathtaking nine-wicket haul at The Oval not only sealed a historic win for India but also catapulted him to a new high in the ICC Test rankings. His career-best performance, marked by skill, endurance, and clutch bowling under pressure, heralds his arrival as a premier pacer on the world stage. The cricketing fraternity eagerly anticipates Siraj’s continued contributions as India aims to build on this momentum in forthcoming seasons.

Next steps include India’s strategic planning around Siraj’s workload and leveraging his form in key series ahead, while also nurturing upcoming bowlers inspired by his breakthrough success.