During the 3rd Test between India and England, Ravi Shastri stole the spotlight not with analysis, but with his trademark wit and candor. As play resumed after lunch with England at 83/2, the former India coach turned commentator lightened the atmosphere with a cheeky remark about India pacer Mohammed Siraj, calling him “a joker” on live television.
The amusing exchange happened during commentary alongside former England captain Michael Atherton, after Siraj sprinted toward Ollie Pope when the ball got stuck between the batter’s pads. “He is quite the character, Mohammed Siraj. Ran straight at the batter,” said Shastri, describing the lively moment on the field.
Atherton then asked what Siraj was like off the field – whether he was a chatterbox, prankster, or the quiet type. Shastri’s response was instant:
“Oh, he’s a joker.”
He went on, “And he is not poking fun. Someone else keeps poking fun at him. Or riling him up. And he falls for it.”
Shastri compared Siraj’s vibrant personality to that of Rishabh Pant, both known for their ability to keep spirits high even during tense Test matches. Recalling a memorable dressing room moment, Shastri said:
“He and [Rishabh] Pant are like that. Especially when he was elevated to the Deputy Superintendent of Police. There was a chuckle around that dressing room. Siraj had to say ‘Ok, wait till you come to Hyderabad, I will sort you out’.”
Former cricketers like Darren Gough, as Atherton pointed out, often played similar roles in their teams—keeping things light in high-pressure environments. Siraj, it seems, has become that energizing presence in the Indian camp.
But Shastri didn’t stop at jokes. He also praised Siraj’s cricketing grit, particularly highlighting his performance at Edgbaston, where he took 6 wickets for 70 runs in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.
“Bowled beautifully in Edgbaston. Six wicket haul there, and even today, he is striving hard,” Shastri said, acknowledging the pacer’s growing maturity and crucial role in the series.
As fans enjoyed the lighthearted commentary, it was clear that Shastri’s candid style continues to entertain, offering both humor and insight in equal measure.