Oval: In a moment that perfectly blends cricketing prophecy and performance, Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj’s phenomenal five-wicket haul in the final Test of the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy has reignited an old tweet by South African legend Dale Steyn and it’s taking the internet by storm.
Siraj emerged as the architect of India’s historic series-clinching win, claiming five wickets in the second innings of the fifth and final Test. His spell dismantled England's batting line-up, sealing both the match and the series for India. But what added an extra layer of intrigue and excitement was a tweet Steyn posted a day before the Test began, predicting that Siraj would grab a five-wicket haul in the game. The post, initially unnoticed, has now gone viral after Siraj’s fiery performance proved the prediction spot on.
Steyn’s tweet read, “Siraj for a five-for in the 5th. Watch this space.” True to his word, Siraj delivered with flair and fire.
Siraj, visibly thrilled with both his match performance and the praise from a pace legend, responded after the game with a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter). “You asked, I gave it. It's a big deal to get this from you,” he wrote in reply to Steyn, adding a touch of humility to his moment of glory.
The Hyderabad speedster was a pillar of consistency throughout the five-match series. In fact, he was the only fast bowler to feature in all five Tests, showcasing not just stamina, but also unwavering form. Across those games, Siraj bowled a staggering 185.3 overs and scalped 23 wickets emerging as the highest wicket-taker of the series.
Cricket fans and analysts are lauding Siraj’s evolution into a dependable strike bowler, especially for his ability to strike under pressure and adapt to varied conditions. His fiery pace, reverse swing, and aggressive attitude made him a constant threat to England’s batting order across venues.
From Dale Steyn’s eerily accurate forecast to Siraj’s poetic response, the moment has lit up social media with admiration and excitement. As India celebrates a landmark Test series win, Mohammed Siraj’s name shines at the forefront not just for what he did, but also for how perfectly he lived up to a superstar’s belief.