When Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi led India in the pre-Independence era—or when his son, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, captained the team to memorable highs in later years—few, if any, would have viewed their achievements through the lens of religion. Even when Mohammad Azharuddin led India to two Asia Cup victories in the 1990s, only a minority may have been conscious of his Muslim identity.

But yesterday, as Mohammad Siraj scripted a historic win at The Oval, powering India to a thrilling victory in the fifth Test against England, his identity as an Indian Muslim demands recognition and even celebration, not as a token, but as a reaffirmation of the Idea of India.

Now I hear loud howls of protest against “bringing religion into the innocent world of sport.” But where were these guardians of sporting purity when the Hyderabadi seamer was routinely trolled—not for his line or length, but for his faith? Where was this moral righteousness when he was targeted with slurs and suspicion simply because of his name? Siraj, who snatched victory from the jaws of defeat to help secure one of India’s narrowest-ever Test wins, reminds the ruling establishment, its ideological supporters, and a growing section of the public that they are pathetically misguided in their attempts to marginalise and vilify an entire community. Siraj's triumph, then, is not just about cricket. It is a resounding response to bigotry, and a moment to reclaim a pluralistic and inclusive India. His teammate, Muhammad Shami, also had similar experiences. Not very different from the racist slur and body-shaming comments that Temba Bavuma, South Africa’s first black captain, encountered often in his career.

At the post-match media meet at The Oval, Siraj went emotional. “I was driven solely by the spirit of playing for India. I wanted to bring a smile to the face of 1.4 billion Indians”. Siraj was the highest wicket-taker in the drawn series (2-2) with a tally of 23 wickets to emerge as one........

© Mathrubhumi English