“Siraj bhai ka naya naam” - Arshdeep Singh’s hilarious revelation ahead of ENG vs IND 2025 Tests [Watch]

On Monday, June 9, left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh shared a video on social media, humorously revealing a new nickname for fellow pacer Mohammed Siraj. The Indian team has arrived in England ahead of a five-match Test series that begins on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. Before that, they’ll play a warm-up fixture at Kent County Cricket Ground in Beckenham from June 13 to 16.

Amid this, on Monday, after completing a practice session, Arshdeep shared a video on Instagram featuring Siraj and quipped:

“Kuch der practice karke haate hai, mai aur Green Forest. Siraj bhai ka naya naam Green Forest.” [After practicing for a while, we wrap up—me and Green Forest. Siraj bhai’s new name is Green Forest].

Meanwhile, the upcoming England series heralds a fresh era in Indian Test cricket. This will be the team’s first assignment without stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom retired from the format in May.

Shubman Gill has been named the new Test skipper, with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant serving as his deputy.

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A look at the red-ball records of Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh

Mohammed Siraj made his Test debut for India during the Boxing Day match against Australia in Melbourne in 2020. Since then, the 31-year-old has represented India in 36 Test matches, claiming 100 wickets at an average of 30.74. His tally includes three five-wicket hauls, with his career-best figures of 6/15 coming against South Africa in 2024.

In England, the right-arm pacer has featured in six Test matches, taking 23 wickets at an average of 34.00. His best figures on English soil are 4/32.

Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh is yet to make his Test debut for India. In red-ball cricket, he has played 21 first-class matches, taking 66 wickets at an average of 30.37. His record includes two five-wicket hauls, with best bowling figures of 6/40.

The fast bowler also brings prior experience of playing in English conditions, having represented Kent in the County Championship last year. During his stint, he took 13 wickets in five Division One matches, averaging 41.76, with his best performance being 3/58.