In Siraj we trust

Yes, he could be supremely hostile, not slipping up even once while making balls rush to the chin of hapless batters every now and then. None knows this better than his brother Mohammed Ismail who often takes pleasure in brother Siraj's success from the stands.

Siraj's meteoric rise to the pinnacle of pace bowling was a reward for his hard work, and perhaps his spell of hostile bowling against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup last September would have had Ismail tapping a foot in boundless admiration.

His combative pace had the Lankan top-order hoping and weaving, and that he conceded only one boundary in his seven overs, 21 dot balls, underlines just how uncomfortable he was to face in Colombo's ghastly conditions. But nothing came easy for Siraj. He worked hard, at training, at the nets, at the gym, and in the domestic fixtures he played for Hyderabad. Besides, he lent his mind like a vessel for the greats in the team to fill up with their wisdom.

Siraj's controlled run-up and perfectly grooved action have carried him to 154 international wickets. His ability to extract bounce from even the most docile pitches sets him apart from the rest. His delivery stride is a study in precision, a seamless amalgamation of power and finesse that translates into potent and challenging deliveries for the opposition batsmen.

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One of the defining aspects of his pace brilliance is his unerring accuracy. He has an uncanny ability to land the ball on a spot consistently, testing the batsmen's skills to the hilt. Besides, his metronomic accuracy is not just a result of natural talent but also a testament to his relentless work ethic and commitment to perfection.

The seam position that Siraj has achieved is nothing short of artistry. His fingers dance on the ball, manipulating it to generate movement both in the air and off the pitch. This control over the seam allows him to extract prodigious swing, confounding batsmen and making him a potent force in all conditions. His ability to swing the ball both ways makes him a nightmare for opponents, as they struggle to decipher the trajectory of the delivery until it is too late.

Furthermore, the 29-year-old's mastery of the art of seam bowling is complemented by his acute understanding of the game. He meticulously studies the opposition, identifying weaknesses and formulating strategies to exploit them. But none knows his next moves. Siraj's ability to adapt his game plan based on the conditions and the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition showcases his cricketing intelligence.

The beauty of his pace brilliance is not just in the statistics but in the moments that define his career in the Indian jersey. The impact he has on the psyche of opposing teams cannot be overstated. His mere presence in the Indian lineup instils a sense of fear and trepidation in the minds of batsmen worldwide. The psychological warfare that he engages in is as crucial to his success as his physical attributes. The ability to intimidate and dominate mentally adds another layer to his pace brilliance, making him a complete and formidable fast bowler.

Siraj's supreme feats glitter with enough resplendence to dazzle most eyes. His pace mastery transcends the realm of statistics and records. It is a story of a tall, imposing figure on the cricket field, armed with a cricket ball and an unwavering commitment to excellence. It is more like a symphony of speed, accuracy, and mental fortitude that will help him solidify his place as one of the greatest fast bowlers in the near future.