‘Thanks to nalli gosht biryani and paya’: Ex-India captain reveals Mohammed Siraj’s stamina secret in England

Ex-India captain reveals Mohammed Siraj’s stamina secret in England. (Photo: X)

The only bowler from the Shubman Gill-led team to play every Test match in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 series was Mohammed Siraj. With 23 wickets at an average of 32.43 at the end of the series, he was the highest wicket-taker. Siraj assumed responsibility and claimed two five-wicket hauls in the absence of India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin lauded Siraj for his valiant efforts in England and said that the speedster's favorite dishes, paya and nalli gosht biryani, have given him the power he needs to win games.

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“Siraj was outstanding. Thanks to nalli gosht biryani and paya [which are his favourite food] he has developed a strong body, particularly his legs. He showed a lot of enthusiasm and energy. Throughout the series he had the hunger to excel and deliver for India,” Azharuddin told Mid-Day.

Siraj's performance in the fifth and final Test matches against England at The Oval in London especially pleased Azharuddin.

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“That spell at the Oval was incredible. He took on the responsibility admirably in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. He came hard at the England batters and bowled with a lot of intensity. He is clearly the new super star of Indian sport,” he added.

On Day 5 of the fifth Test at The Oval, England looked set to clinch the match — and the series 3-1 — but Siraj had other ideas. The 31-year-old ripped through the batting order with three quick wickets, sealing a thrilling six-run win for India and levelling the five-match series 2-2. Across the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, Siraj sent down 185.3 overs — the most by any bowler in the series.