Former India batter Aakash Chopra has suggested that Mohammed Siraj's performances are sometimes overshadowed by Jasprit Bumrah's presence in the team. While Siraj has proven to be an essential bowler for the national side, Bumrah's "sheer star power" can make it easy to overlook Siraj's contributions.

Chopra noted that Siraj's performances have been impressive, but the mode of dismissals and Bumrah's reputation can lead experts and fans to underrate him. He said that Siraj will always 'look inferior' when he has the ball because he shares the dressing room with an all-time great like Jasprit Bumrah. He drew a parallel to how players were sometimes viewed when they played alongside Sachin Tendulkar or Virat Kohli.

Despite this perception, Siraj's workload and dedication to the game are undeniable. Chopra highlighted that since January 1, 2023, Siraj has bowled the third-most overs among fast bowlers worldwide, only behind Australia's Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. In fact, among Indian bowlers, Siraj has bowled the most overs in that period.

India's assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, has also praised Siraj's commitment and energy, describing him as a "lion with the ball". Ten Doeschate emphasized the need to manage Siraj's intensity, as he is always ready to bowl more, even when the team wants to pull him back. He said that Siraj never shies away from responsibility.

In the ongoing Test series against England, Siraj initially led the wicket-taking charts. In the third Test at Lord's, Siraj, along with Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Jasprit Bumrah, set a world record for the most balls faced by the eighth, ninth, and tenth wicket partnerships in a Test innings.

However, Siraj faced criticism during the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, for leaking runs. Ravichandran Ashwin advised him to focus on restricting the run flow rather than solely aiming for wickets. Ashwin emphasized the importance of bowling for one another in Test cricket, highlighting how Ishant Sharma used to excel at holding up one end and maintaining pressure.

Despite any scrutiny, Siraj's passion for the game is evident. Even when the chips are down, he consistently charges in to provide breakthroughs. In the Edgbaston Test, during Jasprit Bumrah's absence, Siraj took six wickets in the first innings.

While Bumrah's brilliance is undeniable, it's important to recognize and appreciate Siraj's skill, dedication, and vital contributions to the Indian team. Former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop has even suggested that Siraj has surpassed Mohammed Shami in effectiveness in white-ball formats. In the IPL 2025, Siraj showcased his skills, achieving career-best figures and reaching the milestone of 100 IPL wickets.