Mohammed Siraj’s superb run with the red ball continued on Monday as the Indian pacer overtook Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani to become the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket in 2025.
The right-arm seamer achieved the milestone when he dismissed West Indies captain Shai Hope for 103 during the second session of the fourth day of the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Siraj has been India’s leading strike bowler this year, delivering 1,575 balls (262.3 overs) in eight matches to claim 37 wickets at an average of 26.91. His haul includes two four-wicket and two five-wicket performances, with best figures of 6 for 70. He has also bowled 39 maidens, conceding 996 runs at an economy rate of 3.79 and a strike rate of 42.56.
Muzarabani, who had led the charts until now, has taken 36 wickets in nine matches. The Zimbabwe pacer has bowled 1,660 deliveries (276.4 overs) at an average of 28.63, with best figures of 7 for 58. He has recorded 47 maidens and three five-wicket hauls this season, maintaining an economy of 3.72 and a strike rate of 46.11.
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Earlier in the day, Hope brought up a fine century off 204 balls, steering his side to 252 for 3 by lunch. However, Siraj broke through soon after as he trapped Hope, ending a gritty innings that held together the West Indies response.
Following Hope’s dismissal, wicketkeeper-batter Tevin Imlach joined Roston Chase at the crease but failed to build on the platform. Kuldeep Yadav soon struck twice in one over, dismissing both Chase (40) and Khary Pierre (0) to leave the visitors reeling.
The Caribbean side reached the 300-run mark in the 93rd over, but quick wickets followed. Warrican (3) and Anderson Phillips (2) fell cheaply, leaving West Indies at 311 with the last pair battling to hold on. At the end of the second session, the visitors stood at 303 for 7, with Justin Greeves (5*) and Jomel Warrican (0*) unbeaten.
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