 "Mohammed Siraj has been celebrating in Ronaldo's style for the past few years. Reuters")
Mohammed Siraj played a huge role in India’s thrilling win against England in the fifth and final Test at The Oval. The match ended in a nail-biting six-run win for India, helping them level the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series 2-2. It was one of the most exciting Test series in recent years.
England started Day 5 needing only 35 runs with four wickets in hand, and many thought they would win. But Siraj had other plans. He didn’t give any chance to the England batters and bowled with full energy. He took the key wickets of Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton, then clean bowled Gus Atkinson with a perfect yorker to finish the match.
Siraj took nine wickets in the match and was named the Player of the Match. His five-wicket haul in the second innings turned the game in India’s favour. But it wasn’t just his bowling that caught attention. After sealing the win, Siraj celebrated in Cristiano Ronaldo’s style. He did the ‘Siu’ celebration right in the middle of The Oval after taking the final wicket.
England fans slam Siraj for ‘Siu’ celebration
This celebration didn’t sit well with many England fans. Some took to social media to express their dislike. “I just cringed so hard at Siraj pulling the Siu in the middle of the Oval,” one fan wrote on X.
Another said, “Err, India, you only drew the series. You didn’t win the whole thing! Celebrating like you won 5-0.” “They do know it’s a draw, right? Celebrating like they won the series,” said another user. “That celebration is shocking,” wrote someone else.
Siraj on why he celebrates like Ronaldo
This isn’t the first time Siraj has done this celebration. He has been doing it for the past several years. In 2024, Siraj had explained that he only does the Cristiano Ronaldo move when he clean bowls a batter. “I only do the Cristiano Ronaldo celebration when I clean bowl someone, then only I come up with that celebration, not for a catch or LBW,” he said.
Siraj also shared why he admires Ronaldo so much. “I do the Cristiano Ronaldo celebration because I like and admire him for his work ethic, the routine that he follows, and the way he performs consistently. He always has a never-give-up attitude. Obviously, Ronaldo is the best, GOAT all the time,” Siraj had said.
While some England fans didn’t like the celebration, others lauded Siraj for his effort in the series. He finished as the top wicket-taker with 23 scalps in five matches.