Mohammad Siraj Calls Teammate Akash Deep a "Horse", Says He Didn't Want the Sixth Wicket

In India's emphatic performance during the second Test match against England, fast bowler Mohammad Siraj played a starring role by taking 6 wickets in the first innings. But what caught everyone’s attention wasn’t just his bowling—it was a light-hearted yet emotional statement he made about his teammate Akash Deep.

Siraj's Unusual Praise: Called Akash Deep a "Horse"

In a behind-the-scenes video posted by the BCCI on Instagram, Siraj is seen calling Akash Deep a "horse", referring to his stamina, discipline, and relentless energy while bowling. Siraj said,
"He's like a horse. He was just waiting for this opportunity, and the hunger to take wickets was clearly visible."

Akash Deep, playing only his second Test match, backed up Siraj brilliantly from the other end and took 4 wickets of his own.

Why Siraj Didn’t Want His 6th Wicket

Siraj revealed something even more surprising:
He didn't want to take his sixth wicket—because he was hoping Akash Deep would get his maiden Test five-wicket haul instead. After taking his fifth wicket in the 20th over, Siraj said he considered bowling the next five deliveries wide to let Akash Deep get a chance in the next over.

But Akash Deep refused and told Siraj:
"You bowl properly and finish the job."

Siraj then went on to dismiss Shoaib Bashir on the third ball of the same over, completing his six-wicket haul and wrapping up England’s innings at 407 runs.

Akash Deep’s Reaction

In the same video, Akash Deep was full of praise for Siraj. He said:
"Siraj built pressure from the other end, and that's why I was able to get early wickets. More than a personal milestone, the priority was to dismiss England quickly. I'm happy with how I performed."

Final Figures:

• Mohammad Siraj: 6/70 in 19.3 overs

• Akash Deep: 4/88 in 20 overs

The mutual respect and camaraderie between Siraj and Akash Deep stood out just as much as their fiery spells—showing that behind the aggressive pace bowling is a deep sense of team spirit and sportsmanship.