Former India Strength and Conditioning (S&C) coach, Soham Desai, has revealed a conversation that played a crucial role in galvanizing Mohammed Siraj to battle through all five Test matches against England in the recent series. Siraj's performance was instrumental in India leveling the series 2-2. Desai disclosed that the seeds for Siraj's remarkable endurance were sown months before the series, specifically when the pacer was excluded from the 2025 Champions Trophy squad.

Desai, who served as India's S&C coach from 2021 to 2025 and was part of the team that won the 2024 T20 World Cup, shared this insight on Ravichandran Ashwin's YouTube channel. He emphasized that the decision to have Siraj play all five Test matches was not a last-minute call but a carefully planned strategy initiated in February.

"Siraj played five Tests. He didn't land in London and plan that he would play five Tests," Desai stated. He further revealed, "When he was not picked for the Champions Trophy, the conversation took place then itself". The message conveyed to Siraj at that time was one of long-term vision and preparation. Desai said, "Today it may feel like a setback, but when you win in England, then you will remember you started training from then so you could play five". This conversation aimed to reframe the disappointment of missing the Champions Trophy into an opportunity to prepare for the grueling Test series in England.

The focus was on building Siraj's body to withstand the stresses of playing five consecutive Test matches. Desai highlighted that the Siraj of old might not have been able to endure such a challenge, but his capacity was significantly enhanced in the months leading up to the series. This involved a comprehensive approach, considering the past three weeks and planning for the next three, while constantly assessing the player's current level.

Siraj ultimately bagged 23 wickets in the series, emerging as the highest wicket-taker with two five-wicket hauls. His performance was particularly crucial in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who only played three of the five games to manage his workload. Former India coach Greg Chappell also lauded Siraj's growth and leadership in Bumrah's absence, noting his increased confidence and intensity with each passing Test. Chappell described Siraj's performance as "heroic," especially considering the physical and mental challenge of bowling over 185 overs in five Test matches.

Desai also addressed comparisons between Siraj and Bumrah, clarifying that Bumrah's case was different due to his unique action and previous injury. He emphasized that workload management is a highly individualized process, and what works for one player may not work for another.

Despite his outstanding performance in England, Mohammed Siraj was surprisingly left out of India's squad for the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup. This decision has sparked debate, with former Sri Lankan all-rounder Farveez Maharoof questioning the omission, citing Siraj's recent form and his ability to be a "go-to bowler in all three formats". Maharoof acknowledged the need for workload management but insisted that Siraj's current form made him an indispensable asset to the team.