‘That 143 kmph yorker is a tribute to Mohammed Siraj’s fitness’: Azharuddin

Updated On: 12 August, 2025 07:55 AM IST | Hyderabad | N Jagannath Das

Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin says star pacer’s final delivery that dismissed England’s Gus Atkinson to help visitors square series 2-2 is classic case of raw pace; praises fellow Hyderabadi for stepping up in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah

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Former Indian skipper Mohammed Azharuddin (left) greets Mohammed Siraj (right) during a book launch in Hyderabad on Sunday. Pic/by Special Arrangement

Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin has given India pacer Mohammed Siraj some food for thought, on a lighter note.

At a function to launch 1983 World Cup-winning wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani’s book, Stumped, here, Azharuddin told mid-day that the secret behind the Hyderabad pacer’s success (Siraj was the leading wicket-taker in the recent five-Test series in England with 23 scalps) his love for regional delicacies, nalli gosht biryani and paya. Nalli gosht biryani is a biryani made with lamb shanks and aromatic spices, while paya is lamb feet.

High power and energy

“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. His last delivery [where he clean bowled England’s Gus Atkinson with a yorker to help India win the fifth Test at the Oval by six runs and level the series 2-2] which was bowled at 143 kmph is a great tribute to Siraj’s fitness and strength that has made him a super star. 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,” Azharuddin, 62, told mid-day on Sunday.

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