Despite Virat Kohli not being part of India's recently concluded five-match Test series against England, there was no dearth of aggression throughout the series, with fired-up Mohammed Siraj keeping the intensity high. Siraj played a massive role in helping India level the five-match series 2-2 following a spectacular six-run win in the final Test. He was remarkably agile and left no stone unturned in bringing the energy and keeping the atmosphere tense. Recently, opening up about the aggression, Siraj credited legend Virat Kohli, who earlier this year in May retired from Test cricket, saying that he has learnt it from him, who taught him to treat opponents like enemies.
"I've learned this one particular thing from Virat Kohli, and that is his fighting approach in the game. Off the field, he would be talking very nicely, but on the ground, the opposition is the enemy for him. I like this thing about him. And my bowling comes from aggression. If I do not show that on ground, I won't be able bowl well. I have been with Virat Kohli in RCB (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) and have had a good bonding with him. Fast bowlers should have aggression on field, and Virat Kohli has more aggression on field than bowlers," Sirat told RevSportz in an interview.
Siraj, who has always shared a great camaraderie with Virat Kohli, was instrumental in India's victory in the fifth and final Test against England. He was named player of the match after claiming match figures of 9-190.
"In that last Test at The Oval, when Brook and Root were having a good partnership, we had a bit of a shoulder-dropping moment. But then, I encouraged everyone, and we went ahead to get the upper hand in the form of the wicket of Root. I have also learned to take crowd support from Virat. Support of the crowd, for a bowler, can make a big difference and get the bowler flying with confidence," Siraj stated.