Mohammed Siraj, India’s fiery pace spearhead, collapsed on the pitch during the second Test against the West Indies in Delhi after a grueling bowling spell in scorching conditions. The dramatic moment—captured in widely shared images—showed teammates and medical staff rushing to his aid, offering what fans are now calling “king-like” treatment.
Mohammed Siraj Pushed to the Limit
The incident occurred on Day 2 of the India vs West Indies Test at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, where temperatures soared past 42°C (108°F). After delivering a demanding 10-over spell under the relentless sun, Siraj suddenly crumpled to the ground near the boundary rope, visibly exhausted and dehydrated.
Teammates, including captain Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir, immediately sprinted over. Medical staff administered on-field treatment, providing oxygen, ice packs, and oral rehydration salts. Within minutes, Siraj was helped to his feet and escorted off the field for further evaluation.
“King-Like” Care Sparks Social Media Buzz
Photos of Siraj being fanned by staff, draped in cooling towels, and given priority medical attention went viral. Fans praised the BCCI and team management for their swift, compassionate response—dubbing it “royal” or “king-like” care for a player who’s become a workhorse of India’s pace attack.
“This is what athlete-first support looks like. No heroics—just smart, humane treatment,” tweeted former India cricketer Virender Sehwag.
Why the Delhi Heat Is a Real Threat
Delhi in late May is notoriously hostile for outdoor sports. With humidity levels hovering around 40% and radiant heat from the concrete stadium surface, core body temperatures can spike dangerously fast—even for elite athletes.
According to sports medicine experts, symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and collapse are signs of heat exhaustion, a precursor to life-threatening heatstroke if not managed promptly.
India’s Bowling Load Management Under Scrutiny
Siraj bowled 24.3 overs in the first innings—a massive workload, especially in these conditions. With Jasprit Bumrah rested and Mohammed Shami still recovering from injury, the burden has fallen heavily on Siraj and young pacer Akash Deep.
| Bowler | Overs Bowled (1st Innings) | Economy Rate | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Siraj | 24.3 | 3.12 | 2 |
| Akash Deep | 18.0 | 3.88 | 1 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 22.0 | 2.95 | 3 |
Series Outlook: India Still on Track
Despite the physical toll on its bowlers, India remains in a strong position to clinch the series. West Indies were bowled out for 287 in their first innings, and India’s batting lineup—led by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill—has responded with a solid 200+ score.
A series win would mark India’s 15th consecutive home Test series victory, extending their dominance in subcontinental conditions.
What Happens Next for Siraj?
Team India’s medical staff confirmed Siraj is “stable and recovering” and will be monitored over the next 24–48 hours. His availability for the remainder of the match is uncertain, but sources say rest and rehydration are the priority—not rushing him back.
Cricket fans across the country have flooded social media with well-wishes, using hashtags like #RecoverStrongSiraj and #KingSiraj.
Sources
Times of India: Mohammed Siraj collapses after long spell, receives ‘king-like’ treatment