Mohammed Siraj has enjoyed a rapid rise in cricket, and the pacer credits Virat Kohli for the continuous support he’s given.
Siraj made his international debut in the high-pressure Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, where he played a key role in India’s historic triumph. There has been no looking back for the pacer ever since as he has enjoyed a meteoric rise in his career. The pacer is reaping the rewards for the hard work he’s put in, but he says he owes his career to Virat Kohli for the backing he has received from the skipper through thick and thin.
The 27-year-old credits captain Kohli for always believing in him and providing him with the confidence that he can perform at the highest level.
In an unprecedented series of events, India’s frontline pacers succumbed to injuries, and Siraj got the opportunity to play for India. The pacer made the most of his chances and played an important role in India’s series victory against Australia as he finished being India’s highest wicket-taker of the series with 13 wickets. Siraj carried his form into the non-suspended IPL 2021 and led the bowling attack of Royal Challengers Bangalore to perfection.
However, Mohammed Siraj’s path to glory was filled with extreme difficulties. Few days after he landed in Australia, Siraj received the news of the passing of his father. The personal loss completely broke the pacer, but he made a tough call of staying with the Indian team instead of flying back to India.
Speaking about the difficult time, Siraj revealed that he used to cry in his hotel room. The captain stood by him and was always there to encourage him. Siraj expressed his gratitude for Kohli, who was always there to back him even when he wasn’t doing well with the ball for RCB.
Siraj spoke to The Times of India about his journey and his bond with Kohli over the years in detail.
“He (Virat) has supported me through thick and thin. He has always been there for me and in all circumstances. I still remember how I was crying in the hotel room. Virat bhaiya came into my room and hugged me tightly and said – ‘I am with you, don’t worry.’
he said.
Kohli returned back to India after playing the first Test, but he stayed in constant touch with Siraj over calls or messages and kept motivating him, which Siraj believes is what drove him to perform like the way he did on his first tour.
“Those words encouraged me a lot. He (Virat) played just one Test on the tour but his messages and calls motivated me. And that’s why I could perform. In fact, I didn’t have a good season with RCB in the past two years. But he (Virat) was always there to support me. He has backed me a lot.”
Siraj added.
He also credited Virat for doing whatever he has achieved in his life today.
“I had lost my father during the Australia series. I was shattered and not really in my senses. It was Virat bhaiya who gave me strength and support. Mera career Virat bhaiya ke wajah se hai (I owe my career to Virat).”
Siraj has been picked in India’s Test squad for the England tour, consistsing of the World Test Championship final and a five-Test series against England. Former India chief of selectors MSK Prasad has showered high praises on Siraj, saying he is way ahead of other young pacers given how he has performed since making his Test debut last December. Mohammed Siraj has so far picked 16 wickets in 5 Test matches at an average of 28.2.
