Mohammed Siraj vs Ishant Sharma
Mohammed Siraj vs Ishant Sharma: Who Is the Better Fast Bowler in Indian Cricket History?
Over the years, India has produced a number of outstanding fast bowlers in cricket. The journey has been lengthy while thrilling, from the renowned Kapil Dev toward the fiery Javagal Srinath. Ishant Sharma and Muhammad Siraj are two Indian fast bowlers who have gained a lot of notoriety in today’s match.
Can we actually compare them, though? Are they superior to each other? Or do they have different skills to styles or come from two different eras?
We will examine Siraj and Ishant’s records, impact, playing styles, or strengths in detail in this blog post. By the end, you will have a clear idea of who is superior in each area and whether the comparison is fair.
Mohammad Siraj: The Rising Star
Emerging Star
Mohammad Siraj began his career in Hyderabad with modest beginnings. After a string of successful domestic and Indian Premier League (IPL) performances, he made his debut for the Indian squad. Particularly with the new ball, his ability to turn the ball quickly makes him a dangerous bowler.
High Impact in Recent Years
Siraj has been emerging as a crucial pacer for India since in 2020. His success in the Australian Border-Gavaskar series in 2020–21 marked a sea change. When senior bowlers were not available, Siraj led the Indian pace attack, got important wickets, or displayed amazing character.
IPL and White-Ball Form
Siraj bowled with outstanding control in the 2023 as well as 2024 IPLs. Even in high-scoring contests, he maintained an impressive economy rate while frequently reaching speeds of over 140 km/h. With his incisive yorkers or bouncers, he has also left his mark in ODIs or T20Is.
Speed Controversy
A speed gun malfunctioned during a recent Test match between India and Australia, displaying a delivery by Siraj in 181.6 km/h. Although it was later determined to be an error, that would have made it’s the fastest ball in history. Shoaib Akhtar still holds the record for the fastest ball, which is 161.3 km/h.
Ishant Sharma: The Veteran Workhorse
Long Career
Ishant Sharma has been playing cricket in India for over 15 years, having made his debut in 2007. He is one of the most seasoned pace bowlers in Indian history, having played in more than 100 Test matches.
Pace and Bounce
Ishant could bowl over 150 km/h at his best. In 2008, he set a new record of 152.6 km/h while playing Australia in Adelaide. He is a threat for countries such Australia and England because of his height, which allows him to get more bounce off the field.
Test Match Warrior
Test cricket is where Ishant excels. He scored wickets on every type of surface and played in every country in the world. Ishant has been a reliable performer in both the seaming terrain of England or the flat pitches in India.
Key Moments
Ishant’s 2014 spell at Lord’s, where he took seven wickets in a match or helped India win a record, stands out as one of his most memorable performances. Over the years, his efforts enabled India to develop a potent fast-bowling team.
Head-to-Head: Mohammad Siraj vs Ishant Sharma
Let’s now break down the comparison between the two players using a detailed table.
| Criteria | Mohammad Siraj | Ishant Sharma |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm fast | Right-arm fast-medium |
| Test Debut | 2020 vs Australia | 2007 vs Bangladesh |
| Total Tests (as of 2025) | 25+ | 105+ |
| Test Wickets | 70+ | 311 |
| Best Test Figures | 6/15 vs South Africa (2023) | 7/74 vs England (2014) |
| ODI Wickets | 60+ | 115 |
| T20I Wickets | 12 | 8 |
| Fastest Ball Recorded | ~149 km/h (official) | 152.6 km/h |
| IPL Performance | Strong for RCB, key bowler | Played for multiple teams, less impact |
| Economy Rate (ODI) | Around 4.7 | Around 5.7 |
| Major Achievement | Led attack in 2020–21 Aus tour | Match-winner at Lord’s 2014 |
| Bowling Strength | Swing, pace, seam movement | Bounce, discipline, experience |
| Weaknesses | Can be expensive on flat tracks | Inconsistent line early in career |
| Overseas Record | Excellent in Australia and England | Outstanding in England, decent elsewhere |
| Fitness | Still fresh, young and energetic | Battled injuries but stayed in shape |
| Leadership Ability | Natural leader, aggressive style | Senior presence, mentor to youngsters |
| Current Form | Strong (2023–2025) | Inconsistent, mostly out of national team |
| Retirement Status | Active | Nearing or already semi-retired |
Different Strengths and Styles
Bowling Style
Particularly in Test cricket, Ishant Sharma depends more on bounce or length. He keeps the batsmen nervous by using his height to create an awkward bounce.
In contrast, Mohammad Siraj is renowned for his late swing and seam movement. He bowls a powerful inswinger at pace and a lethal outswinger with the new ball.
Adaptability
In Test matches, Ishant has proven he can dominate for extended periods of time and exhaust the batsmen. Siraj, who is more outspoken and aggressive, adds vigor and strives to take wickets fast, particularly in the first ten overs.
Experience vs Youth
Ishant has faced elite batsmen as Ricky Ponting, Alastair Cook, or AB de Villiers in his more than 100 Test matches. He has unparalleled experience under pressure.
Despite being younger, Siraj has already demonstrated maturity or is establishing a strong international record. He has the potential to be among the best fast bowlers India has ever produced with the right coaching.
Can We Compare Them?
Yes, But With Context
Comparing Ishant and Siraj is like comparing a senior professor with a young researcher. Both are good at what they do, but their stages in career and roles are different.
- Ishant Sharma is a veteran with long-term achievements, especially in Test cricket.
- Mohammed Siraj is a modern-day bowler who is effective in all formats and still has many years to prove himself.
Era Matters
Ishant played in an era where India didn’t have many fast bowlers. He often carried the pace attack on his shoulders. In contrast, Siraj plays in a time when India has a full pace battery—Bumrah, Shami, Prasidh, and others—which gives him freedom to attack more.
Who Has the Better Record?
If we go purely by numbers:
- Ishant wins in Test cricket with 300+ wickets.
- Siraj has better ODI economy and strike rate.
- Ishant has played more matches overall.
- Siraj has had more impact in fewer games in the last 3 years.
So, the record is better for Ishant in terms of volume and experience. But Siraj’s impact and rise have been more rapid and exciting. “no follow”
Future Outlook
Mohammad Siraj
Siraj is still young and has many years ahead. With IPL, World Cups, and more Test tours coming up, he could well cross 200+ Test wickets and 150+ ODI wickets if he stays fit.
Ishant Sharma
Ishant is likely in the last phase of his career. He might not be in the current India squad regularly, but his knowledge and experience can help the next generation of Indian fast bowlers.
Final Thoughts
So, is Mohammad Siraj vs Ishant Sharma the best bowling rivalry or comparison in history?
Not exactly. They are not rivals but two different types of contributors to Indian cricket.
- Ishant Sharma brought stability, experience, and breakthrough spells when India needed it the most.
- Mohammad Siraj is bringing aggression, skill, and consistency in the modern era.
Their records aren’t directly comparable because they’ve played in different times, roles, and conditions. But both are great in their own right.
Summary Table: Siraj vs Ishant Sharma – Who Wins What?
| Category | Winner |
| Test Wickets & Experience | Ishant Sharma |
| ODI Economy & Impact | Mohammad Siraj |
| Pace & Swing | Mohammad Siraj |
| Bounce & Consistency | Ishant Sharma |
| Modern-Day Impact | Mohammad Siraj |
| All-Time Career Record | Ishant Sharma |
| Long-Term Potential | Mohammad Siraj |
Conclusion
Both Mohammed Siraj and Ishant Sharma have made India proud. One is the future, the other is a legend. Rather than comparing them, let’s appreciate their unique contributions to Indian cricket.
As Siraj continues to rise and Ishant steps into mentorship or retirement, Indian cricket fans can proudly say – we have been lucky to witness the journeys of two different but brilliant fast bowlers.
