'He is someone who scares his own team' - Mohammed Siraj on Rishabh Pant's Gabba heroics

India managed to produce one of the famous series victories in Australia in 2020-21 that will be etched in the memories for a long time now due to the way the youngsters stepped up under immense pressure. After registering India’s lowest ever Test score of 36 in the first Test, all odds were against India with skipper Virat Kohli leaving the country, and a young side led by Ajinkya Rahane managed to make a comeback at MCG. The Sydney Test was drawn with an excellent effort and all eyes were on Gabba for the series decider.

India had faced injuries of Shami, Umesh, Bumrah, and Ashwin ahead of the 4th Test, and Mohammad Siraj was the most experienced Indian bowler in the lineup with two tests to his name. He indeed stepped up with a five-wicket haul which turned out to be a memorable while, youngster Shubman Gill had scored valiant 50 and 91 in the Test to set up the win for India. However, it was Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 89 in the final innings that took India to breach the fortress of Gabba and win their second consecutive series in Australia 2-1.

We were all hoping and praying for Rishabh to stay in: Mohammed Siraj

Siraj revealed the emotions that were going through in the dressing room while Pant was playing one of the most important innings of his life and noted that Pant’s risk-taking shots can create panic in both the dressing rooms. He explained how the team had prayed for him to stay in the crease and get India to a famous victory.

“It’s difficult to put into words how nervous the dressing room was. Rishabh is someone who scares his own team. Just imagine the effect he must have on the opposition. We were all hoping and praying for Rishabh to stay in. We just wanted him to keep batting because we knew we would win the game if he did,” Siraj told in the documentary Down Underdogs premiering on the Sony Sports Network

The Indian youngsters on the dugout rushed into the crease to celebrate the historic victory which wasn’t expected at all at first and Siraj noted the Indian flag flying high in the stadium. Siraj has now become one of the potent pacers in the Indian bowling lineup especially in Tests and he had to go through a lot of emotions during the Australia tour including the loss of his father.

“When Rishabh was going for his shots, we kept thinking hold on. Stay in just a little longer. Everyone was so happy that we broke Australia’s record at the Gabba. Just thinking about the celebrations gives me goosebumps even now. I can never forget the victory lap around the ground. Indian flag in hand, thanking all the fans,”  he added