India’s fiery pacer Mohammed Siraj has finally responded to England’s Joe Root, who had cheekily remarked during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 that Siraj “sometimes fakes his anger” on the field. In a candid interview, Siraj acknowledged the comment with laughter and grace, revealing that Root’s calm demeanour and constant smile actually make him feel peaceful—even in the heat of battle.
The exchange between the two players has added a refreshing layer of camaraderie to one of cricket’s most competitive rivalries. Root, who scored a century in the final Test at The Oval, had earlier said, “He’s got this fake anger about him sometimes, which I can see straight through. He’s actually a really nice lad.”
Siraj, known for wearing his emotions on his sleeve and celebrating wickets with animated gestures, admitted that Root’s presence on the field has a calming effect on him. “No, no I do get angry and it does not fade off quickly (laughs). Only after I get a wicket, my anger vanishes. As for Joe Root, he is a world-class batsman. When he is facing me, he never looks at me with any kind of anger. He keeps smiling at me. So whenever I see him, automatically a smile comes to my face. He is the first person seeing whom I become calm and smile,” Siraj told Indian Express.
Mohammed Siraj vs Joe Root – Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 Stats
| Player | Matches Played | Key Performance | Series Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Siraj | 5 | 23 wickets | 5-wicket haul at The Oval, Day 5 |
| Joe Root | 5 | 412 runs | Century in final Test, 105 at The Oval |
Siraj further revealed that during the England tour, he made a conscious decision to avoid engaging with Root on the field. “So during the England tour I decided I am not going to look at him or talk to him. Even if he was at the non-striker’s end and I was fielding at mid-off, he would come to talk to me but I would not talk to him. I would just walk away somewhere else (laughs),” he added.
The light-hearted banter between the two stars comes after a grueling five-Test series that saw India clinch the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 3-2. Siraj was instrumental in India’s success, especially in the final Test where his Day 5 spell turned the match on its head. Root, despite his team’s defeat, praised Siraj’s relentless energy and skill.
Joe Root’s Comments on Siraj – Press Conference Highlights
| Quote Segment | Context |
|---|---|
| “He’s got this fake anger about him sometimes…” | Post-match presser after Day 4 at The Oval |
| “He’s actually a really nice lad.” | On Siraj’s off-field personality |
| “He gives everything for India.” | On Siraj’s commitment and work ethic |
| “He’s a great example to young players.” | On Siraj’s influence on upcoming talent |
Root’s remarks were not meant to undermine Siraj’s intensity but rather to highlight the duality of his character—fierce on the pitch, gentle off it. “He tries incredibly hard. He’s a very skillful player. There’s a reason why he’s got the wickets he has—because of his work ethic and skill level,” Root had said.
Siraj’s response, filled with humour and humility, has been widely appreciated by fans and fellow cricketers. The mutual respect between the two players reflects the evolving spirit of international cricket, where fierce competition coexists with genuine admiration.
Mohammed Siraj – Red Ball Performance Snapshot (2025)
| Series/Tournament | Matches | Wickets | Best Figures | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy | 5 | 23 | 5/41 | 21.6 | 2.88 |
| West Indies Test Series | 1 | 7 | 4/32 | 19.4 | 2.65 |
| Total (2025 so far) | 6 | 30 | — | — | — |
Siraj’s rise in red-ball cricket has been one of India’s biggest success stories in recent years. From his debut in 2020 to becoming the spearhead of India’s pace attack, he has consistently delivered in overseas conditions, especially in England, Australia, and South Africa.
His ability to swing the ball at pace, coupled with his aggressive mindset, makes him a potent weapon. Yet, as Root’s comments and Siraj’s reply show, there’s more to the Hyderabad-born pacer than just fire and fury.
Mohammed Siraj – Personality Traits On and Off the Field
| Trait | On-Field Behaviour | Off-Field Reputation |
|---|---|---|
| Aggression | Celebrates with intensity | Humble and soft-spoken |
| Sledging | Uses it to fuel rhythm | Avoids personal confrontations |
| Emotional Expression | Wears heart on sleeve | Loyal to teammates and fans |
| Sportsmanship | Competitive but respectful | Loved by peers across teams |
The Siraj-Root exchange has also sparked social media buzz, with fans sharing memes, quotes, and appreciation posts. Hashtags like #SirajSmile, #RootVsSiraj, and #FakeAngerRealRespect have trended across Twitter/X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Siraj’s Reaction
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.3M mentions | 87% positive | #SirajSmile #RootVsSiraj |
| 1.1M interactions | 85% humorous | #FakeAngerRealRespect #SirajQuotes | |
| 950K views | 82% supportive | #SirajResponds #CricketSpirit | |
| YouTube | 870K views | 80% analytical | #SirajRootExchange #TestSeriesRecap |
As India prepares for the second Test against West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, Siraj is expected to lead the attack once again. His recent form and growing maturity make him a key figure in India’s red-ball plans heading into the ICC World Test Championship 2027 cycle.
In conclusion, Mohammed Siraj’s response to Joe Root’s ‘fake anger’ comment is a masterclass in sportsmanship, humour, and mutual respect. While the fast bowler thrives on aggression, his ability to laugh at himself and acknowledge the lighter side of cricket makes him a fan favourite. As Root rightly said, “He’s someone you want on your team”—and India couldn’t agree more.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available interviews, verified match data, and press conference quotes. It does not constitute personal opinion or prediction of future match outcomes. Readers are advised to follow updates from the BCCI and ECB for accurate information.
