Siraj Receives Heroic Hometown Welcome
Hyderabad—Mohammed Siraj, the standout Indian pacer in the tightly fought Test series against England, returned home on Wednesday, August 6, and was greeted by delighted fans at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. The 31‑year‑old bowler landed in Hyderabad after first arriving in Mumbai, where fans sought selfies and autographs before he departed for his hometown
A Series of Grit and Glory
Siraj emerged as the leading wicket‑taker in the five‑match England series, claiming 23 wickets across nine innings, and delivering his best career figures of 9/190 in the final Test at The Oval. His match haul included a crucial five‑wicket second innings, which sealed a narrow six‑run victory and enabled India to secure a memorable 2–2 draw
In total, he bowled 185.3 overs across the series—reinforcing his workload and stamina, especially in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah for part of the tour
Journey Home: Mumbai to Hyderabad
Siraj, accompanied by the team’s fielding coach T. Dilip, first deplaned in Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport from London. Decked in sleek black casuals, he received a warm yet relatively low‑key reception. Despite fans requesting selfies and autographs, he quickly proceeded to the domestic terminal for a flight to Hyderabad
Arrival at Hyderabad marked a contrasting scene: a crowd of passionate supporters awaited his touchdown, cheering and applauding the hometown hero as he emerged from the terminal
Felicitation Plans Underway
Officials from the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) have confirmed plans to honour Siraj formally. Although details are yet to be finalized, a felicitation ceremony is under consideration, given Siraj’s outstanding contributions to India’s series comeback
An HCA representative said:
“We haven’t met him yet, but we’re planning something for him—he might stay in the city for a while, and his performance has made us proud.”
Series Heroics and Analysis
Siraj’s elevation from supporting role to standout pace spearhead was a defining trend of the series. With limited overs for Jasprit Bumrah, he shouldered the responsibility with resilience, clocking high pace and consistency across long spells
Cricket analytics firm CricViz reported that he induced 283 false shots over the series, bowled over 1,122 deliveries, and consistently ran above 140 km/h—inspiring praise from one and all
England coach Brendon McCullum applauded his stamina and aggression; Joe Root and Virat Kohli highlighted his warrior‑like ethos; while Harry Brook, Player of the Series, praised Siraj, calling out that he “deserves every bit of success”
Thriller at The Oval: India’s Narrowest Test Win
The fifth Test, played at The Oval, delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in recent memory. India defended 367 in pursuit of 374, and Siraj’s five‑wicket spell helped collapse England’s chase, clinching victory by the slimmest margin in Indian Test history—six runs
The result secured India a 2–2 series draw in the Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy, sustaining their strong start to the 2025–27 World Test Championship campaign
From Sidekick to Showstopper
Prior to this tour, Siraj had been seen overshadowed by more established pacers like Bumrah and Shami. But his performances against England announced his arrival on the big stage. Analysts noted his consistent aggression, stamina, and match-winning mindset as hallmarks of his evolution
The cricket world now sees him not as a supporting act, but a leading figure in India’s fast bowling unit.
Fan Adulation and Wider Reactions
Across social media and local press, fans shared heartfelt messages. Virat Kohli’s sister Bhawna Kohli Dhingra posted an emotional tribute stating: “You are great” to Siraj on Instagram, highlighting the respect he earned from teammates and supporters alike
Conclusion: A Hero’s Welcome
Mohammed Siraj’s return to Hyderabad resonated far beyond one airport welcome—it symbolized his rise from relative anonymity to national hero. His performance in England not only rescued a series for India but also redefined his legacy in Indian cricket.
As fans await his next appearance—likely in a grand felicitation—the city celebrates a local son who carried a nation’s hopes across 185 overs, delivering with unmatched grit and spirit.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on verified media reports and official statements. All statistics and quotes are referenced. The reporting reflects the status as of August 6, 2025.