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IIE DIGITAL DESK : England head coach Brendon McCullum delivered measured acclaim to Mohammed Siraj, underscoring his pivotal role in India’s narrow six‑run victory at The Oval—a match McCullum described as among the greatest Test matches he has ever witnessed. Despite the result, he acknowledged Siraj’s influence as decisive and fearless.

Siraj’s five‑wicket haul in the final innings dismantled England’s lower order, turning a position of strength into a stunning collapse and sealing India’s closest-ever Test win. McCullum spoke candidly: “When Siraj took that final wicket, as much as we were disappointed … admiration for him and the fight he has got…”

Reflecting on the series, McCullum called it “the best five‑match Test series” he’s ever been part of, due to its back-and-forth nature—highlighting hostilities, heroics, and high-pressure drama.

India captain Shubman Gill, despite being India’s Player of the Series for his exceptional batting tally, was said to have narrowly lost out in McCullum’s internal reckoning to Siraj’s match-winning heroics—though no direct quote confirms this. Gill scored over 700 runs, becoming the first Indian captain to do so on an away Test tour and was widely lauded domestically.

Siraj, who bowled across all five Tests, claimed 23 wickets and consistently troubled England batters with pace and aggression. McCullum acknowledged that India played “exceptionally well”, with Siraj embodying relentlessness even under fatigue. 

Gill called Siraj “a captain’s dream”—a testament to the seam attack’s trust during pivotal moments.  McCullum echoed this respect, noting Siraj’s stamina and the high intensity he maintained throughout the series. 

McCullum also reflected on England’s earlier errors—like misreading pitches and misjudging the toss at Edgbaston and Yorkshire—which gave India the edge in monumental innings. He described England as “second-best” across several matches where mistakes proved costly. 

For McCullum, Siraj’s transformation—from a supporting fast bowler to the spearhead of India’s pace attack—stands out. Even his earlier dropped catch of Harry Brook couldn’t overshadow his overall series impact.

In McCullum’s own words:“That is the best five‑match Test series I have ever been a part of and witnessed. … When Siraj took that final wicket … admiration for him and the fight he has got as a cricketer.”.While public discussion had suggested Shubman Gill was formally named Player of the Series, McCullum’s commentary clearly elevated Siraj’s committed seam bowling as the defining storyline—even in defeat.

Brendon McCullum’s post-series reflections highlight Mohammed Siraj's transformative impact in India’s historic Oval Test win. While Shubman Gill was officially recognized for his batting excellence, McCullum’s perspective suggests Siraj came closer to embodying series’ true MVP through iron‑minded spells and key wickets. Against a backdrop of tactical missteps by England and a series defined by momentum swings and emotional intensity, McCullum’s praise underscores cricket’s uncanny ability to celebrate individual dedication beyond statistics.