Indian fast bowler Mohammad Siraj playing with torn shoes in the first test against South Africa The incident sparked curiosity and debate among cricket fans at Eden Gardens. The tear near the toe was not accidental damage or wear and tear, but a deliberate choice by Siraj rooted in his long-established fast bowling technique.
The reason behind Mohammad Siraj playing with torn shoes!
The hole in the toe portion of the shoe serves a practical purpose for fast bowlers, who endure intense physical demands during their run-up and delivery strides. Fast bowlers come to the crease quickly and stop their pace suddenly during the delivery, which puts a lot of pressure on the front of their shoes, especially the toe area. This repeated force often causes toenail injuries or other foot injuries.
Drilling holes in the toe area relieves this pressure, allowing more room for the toes and preventing injury or discomfort to the nails. The hole allows the foot to be drawn more easily upon landing, providing subtle improvements in stability and rhythm during the bowling action. This small change can make a huge difference to a bowler’s comfort and performance on the field.
Notably, this is not unique to Siraj. like many famous fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar, Brett Lee And Ajit Agarkar Has employed the same shoe modification technique throughout his career, indicating that this practical adjustment has proven effective at managing the rigors of fast bowling.
Siraj’s performance and shoe scandal
Despite a shaky start in the Kolkata Test against South Africa, giving away 25 runs in his first three overs, Siraj’s performance changed drastically after the break on the field. Just before tea, as the ball started to reverse, Siraj bowled a quick spell and dismissed the key batsmen kyle verrin LBW and cleanup marco janson For a duck with a sharp nip-backer.
Although he initially conceded 34 runs in six overs, Siraj made a brilliant comeback by the tea interval, taking 2 for 13 in his 6-over spell. His resilience on the field was paralleled by the symbolic toughness displayed by his torn boots.
Mohammad Siraj’s shoes took more beating than the batsmen!
You won’t believe the wear and tear – the grind is real!#INDvsSA #testcricket #siraj #Cricket #edengarden #possible11 pic.twitter.com/briwrdBtlq-Sambhaav11 (@Sambhaav11Team) 14 November 2025
In short, worn out shoes are a deliberate adaptation to the physical stress of fast bowling rather than a sign of neglect or damage. This age-old technology ensures that fast bowlers like Siraj can bowl with better comfort and confidence, reducing the risk of injury and helping maintain their rhythm.