Mohammed Siraj shows Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired 'Believe' wallpaper on phone after India wins against ENG in 5th Test

Mohammed Siraj played a pivotal role in India's thrilling six-run victory over England in the fifth and final Test at The Oval, which leveled the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 series at 2-2. Following the exhilarating win, Siraj shared his phone wallpaper with his hero football player Cristiano Ronaldo and a strong one-word word. — "Believe." That word, he said, had driven him throughout the match.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Siraj was asked about his emotions after taking the final wicket. In his trademark Hyderabadi humor, he said, “Actually, DK bhai (Dinesh Karthik) started asking questions in English, so at that point all emotions went away," prompting laughter from everyone present. He then shared how Ravindra Jadeja’s words had emotionally charged him to push harder during the final day’s grind. “Jaddu bhai ne bola, ki apne father ke barein mein soch aur kitna takleef unhone uthaya aur tujhe unke liye yeh karna (win) hai,” Siraj recounted, speaking about his late father.

With Jasprit Bumrah missing from the lineup, Siraj emerged as India’s pace spearhead, bowling a total of 185.3 overs in the series and claiming 23 wickets. His match haul of 9 wickets at The Oval, including 5 for 104 in the final innings, proved vital in India's series-saving win. “Body is fine… I don’t care if it’s the sixth over or the ninth over for me. I don’t bowl for myself; it is for my country," he declared.

'Believe' was his mantra, Bumrah or not

Siraj revealed that he began his day with a powerful ritual. “I woke up in the morning, checked Google on my phone, took out a ‘Believe’ emoji wallpaper, and told myself that I will do it for the country." That single word, inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo, echoed in his mind throughout the day’s toil.

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In his post-match conversation with Dinesh Karthik on Jio Hotstar, Siraj reflected on his never-say-die mindset. “I always believe that I can win the game from any point, and this morning was no different.” Despite the pressure, Siraj stuck to his basics. “My only plan was to bowl in good areas. Didn’t matter if I took wickets or went for runs,” he added, having etched his name in India’s red-ball legacy.