Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj added another milestone to his name on Monday as he climbed to the top of the 2025 Test wicket-takers list. His crucial breakthrough came when he dismissed Shai Hope for 103, during the second session of Day 4 in the second Test against West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
With this wicket, Siraj moved ahead of Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani, taking sole possession of the No. 1 spot in the year’s Test bowling charts. Siraj now has 37 wickets in eight Tests played in 2025.
Siraj’s Bowling Numbers Outshine Muzarabani
Throughout the ongoing year, Siraj has delivered 1,575 balls (262.3 overs), picking up 37 wickets at an average of 26.91. He has bowled 39 maidens, conceded 996 runs, and produced a best performance of 6 for 70. His economy rate stands at 3.79 and his strike rate at 42.56. He has also registered two four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls.
Meanwhile, Muzarabani has featured in nine matches, sending down 1,660 balls (276.4 overs) for 36 wickets at 28.63. He has 47 maidens to his name, conceded 1,031 runs, and delivered a best of 7 for 58. His economy rate is 3.72 with a strike rate of 46.11, and he has collected three five-wicket hauls in the season.
West Indies Collapse After Hope’s Century
The West Indies began the second session of Day 4 at 252/3 after 78 overs, with Shai Hope and Roston Chase holding the innings together. Hope reached three figures on his 204th ball by striking a boundary off Siraj in the 82nd over. His fine innings came to an end soon after when Siraj got him on the penultimate ball of the 84th over, with the scoreboard reading 271.
Tevin Imlach came in next but lasted just 13 balls before falling to Kuldeep Yadav for 12 in the 90th over. Kuldeep then struck twice in quick succession, removing Roston Chase (40) and Khary Pierre (0) in the 92nd over as West Indies slipped further.
The visitors breached the 300-run mark in the 93rd over but couldn’t build on it. Warrican departed for 3 at 307, followed by Anderson Phillips for 2 at 311. By the end of the session, the West Indies were 311/9, with their last pair holding on through a 50-run partnership off 73 balls.
Siraj’s Remarkable Ascent
Mohammed Siraj’s performance this year reflects his evolution into India’s pace spearhead in the longest format. His consistency and knack for striking at crucial junctures have made him a central figure in India’s bowling plans.
With several fixtures still to come in 2025, Siraj has a chance to widen the gap at the top of the Test wicket-takers tally.
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