Mohammed Siraj Honors Diogo Jota with Emotional Tribute During Test Match

In a heartfelt moment during the third Test at Lord's, Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj honored the late Liverpool player Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident. After taking a wicket, Siraj raised his fingers to signify Jota's jersey number 20 and lifted his hands to the sky in tribute. Reflecting on the unpredictability of life, Siraj expressed the emotional impact of Jota's passing, emphasizing the connection between athletes and the world around them. This touching gesture resonated with fans of both cricket and football, highlighting the shared humanity in sports.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 12, 2025, 16:23 IST

A Heartfelt Gesture on the Cricket Field

During the ongoing third Test at Lord's, Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj displayed a touching tribute to the late Liverpool soccer player Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a road accident last month. Siraj's emotional moment came after he dismissed England's Jaime Smith on Day 2 of the match.

Following the wicket, Siraj raised his fingers to indicate the number 20, which was Jota's jersey number, before lifting both hands skyward. This act reflected his profound respect for the Portuguese striker, who, along with his brother André Silva, lost their lives in a car crash in Spain's Zamora region on July 3 while heading back to Liverpool for pre-season training.

In a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Siraj expressed the emotional impact of Jota's death, stating, 'We learned during the final Test in Birmingham that Diogo Jota was no longer with us due to a car accident.'

Siraj, a fan of Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo, shared how deeply the news affected him. 'I wanted to pay tribute during the last game, and I even spoke with Kuldeep [Yadav] about it. When I took a wicket today, I felt it was the right moment to honor him.'

Reflecting on the unpredictability of life, Siraj remarked, 'Life is very unpredictable. We all strive and push ourselves, but for what? We never know what tomorrow holds. There are no guarantees in life.'

The 30-year-old pacer, known for his fierce bowling and emotional resilience, has always been open about his feelings. His tribute to Jota resonated with both cricket and football fans, showcasing the unity of sportsmanship and humanity.

As Siraj continues to shine on the field, this poignant moment off the pitch serves as a reminder that athletes remain connected to the world around them, unafraid to express their emotions.