Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj’s cricketing journey has been nothing but inspirational. Coming from a humble background, the speedster made it to the riches of the Indian Premier League with his utter hard work and dedication towards the game. The internet, however, has been harsh on the 26-year-old pacer for his poor performance for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. Just when his critics wrote him off after the latest IPL edition, that’s when he got his maiden Indian call under the leadership of Virat Kohli.
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IND vs AUS: Siraj’s brave decision worked for him
Mohammed Siraj was selected in India’s Test squad for the Australian tour but his chances to feature in the playing XI were very thin. In November, Siraj’s world turned upside down when his father passed away due to a lung ailment. By that time, Siraj had already reached the shores of Australia and was practicing self-isolation with the Indian squad. However, the doors were open for Siraj to attend his father’s last rites in India, but the bowler decided to stay back. Nevertheless, the hard decision worked in favor of Siraj.
As it happened Mohammed Shami picked up an injury in the first Test at Adelaide, and Siraj was handed his maiden Indian cap as he replaced Shami in the second Test at Adelaide. Siraj seemingly realized it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for him to prove his valor and he exactly did what he needed to do. The young lad “performed” brilliantly in his debut Test under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane and instantly became the talk of the town. Siraj clinched two wickets in the first innings and one in the second for now.
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It was a proud moment for us, says Mohammed Siraj’s brother
Siraj’s brother Ismail was looking lost for words after seeing his brother coming up with the goods against Australia. Ismail stated that Siraj has filled their chest with pride and has fulfilled their late father’s wish. “My (late) father dreamed that Siraj should represent India in Tests … he always wanted to see him (Siraj) in blue and white jersey to represent the nation, so our dream got fulfilled today,” Ismail was quoted as saying in Times Now. “Since the team was announced yesterday, we knew that he was going to make his debut. We did not sleep the entire night, we switched on TV from 4 am,” said Siraj’s brother.
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