Former India coach and Australias great Greg Chappell said on Tuesday that Mohammed Siraj will be both the “spiritual and actual” leader of India’s bowling attack whether or not Jasprit Bumrah is in the side. Siraj bowled 185.3 overs across five Tests picking 23 wickets and his nine-wicket haul in the final Test at The Oval secured India a thrilling six-run victory over England to level the series. To be fair he has turned in many fine performances before at the MCG the Gabba Perth Lords Cape Town and Birmingham but what he did at The Oval was his true coming of age. With or without Bumrah he is ready to be the spiritual as well as actual leader of Gills attack Chappell wrote in his column for the ESPN Cricinfo. Mohammed Sirajs performance stole the spotlight Indian batters scored a total of 12 hundreds across five-match Test series which is the highest for the country in the series but Sirajs outstanding performance overpowers all those efforts according to former India head coach Greg Chappell. I dont think it is unfair to say that despite the many wonderful batting efforts Siraj was the main reason that India was competitive in the series Chappell wrote. At 31 he shows resilience on physical mental and emotional fronts but what impressed Chappell most was his ability for recognising the moments when he needs to step up with his best game. He bowled like a man possessed but also a man who had learned the art of pacing himself of understanding the moments that matter. What impressed me most wasnt the effort - which was immense - but the evolution. He started as a bowler with passion. He ended as a bowler with passion and purpose. Thats the difference between a player and a leader Chappell explained the bowlers gradual growth. Chappell said what Siraj did in absence of Bumrah was heroics To bowl more than 185 overs in five Test matches over six weeks in any condition is a physical mental and emotional marathon. To do so with consistent intensity while carrying the attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah for stretches is bordering on heroic. Chappell reflected on Sirajs lack of confidence at the start of the series Chappell also mentioned that Siraj lacked confidence at the beginning of the five-match Test series. Siraj began the series tentatively. He lacked rhythm and confidence and bowled mixed lines and lengths. Questions were rightly asked about his readiness to lead the attack sans Bumrah. Siraj began the series tentatively. He lacked rhythm and confidence and bowled mixed lines and lengths. Questions were rightly asked about his readiness to lead the attack sans Bumrah. Chappell praised Washington Sundar for his potential Chappell emphasized that Washington Sundar has the potential to be Indias top all-rounder with the ability to play more than 50 Test matches. I will be surprised if Washington Sundar doesnt establish himself as the teams premier allrounder who I expect to play in excess of 50 Tests Chappell concluded.