I enjoy when the responsibility has been put on my shoulders - Mohammed Siraj on his terrific five-wicket haul vs West Indies

Mohammed Siraj crafted a very special display against West Indies on day four of the second Test as he raged through the Caribbean batting line-up to set into motion an unexpected collapse that saw India finish on top. Siraj claimed a fifer against the Windies that saw the visitors crumble in the face of herculean pressure. His scalps included Joshua da Silva, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel, bringing about his second five-wicket haul in Tests. 

At the end of West Indies' innings, Siraj spoke at length at the post-day presser about how he was helped by India's strength and conditioning coach, Soham Desai, while also summing up his performance in a nutshell.

Siraj said, "I am really happy with the performance because it’s not easy to take wickets on a flat track. A big thanks to Soham bhai, who has worked on my fitness. I have been playing continuously for the past few months and credit to Soham bhai for putting in hard work and taking care of me."

Talking about his performance, he added, “I am happy with my performance as I executed my plans well when the reverse swing was on offer. To be honest, I enjoy when the responsibility has been put on my shoulders when senior bowlers are missing. I love entering the game with responsibility and I want to accept every challenge coming my way."

He also shed some light on his strategy, stating, "My plan was simple - to bowl the stump line and was hoping to get the seam movement and I stuck to that. The ball was new so we also got some swing but it won’t be the same on Day 5 as the ball has gotten old so the play will be to keep it simple and not leak runs."

Siraj concluded by heaping praises on Mukesh Kumar, adding, "Mukesh came to the Indian team after a terrific performance in Ranji Trophy. He took big wickets there. It’s not easy to take a big amount of wickets in Ranji Trophy as the wickets are flatter than the one we are playing here. It’s a big achievement to take a wicket in Ranji Trophy and make a debut in the Indian team. It’s not easy for anyone to hold nerves on the India debut but he has been doing well. We also share a good camaraderie off the field."