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Mohammed Siraj’s Journey From Humble Backgrounds To International Stardom

Mohammad Siraj almost quit Cricket before international debut reveals on 30th birthday
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Mohammad Siraj’s story in Indian cricket is an aspiration to many.

Siraj belongs to a small category in Hyderabad, and Siraj’s father is an auto-rickshaw driver.

Compared to most captain cricketers. Siraj’s cricket vocation started comparatively late. Siraj played cricket in Class 7, playing his first meet cricket in 2015.

The rest, as they say, is history. Siraj’s work ethic and undyed skills helped him succeed in the game on the transnational stage. 

“I never imagined my life would change so quickly, from playing local cricket to donning the Indian jersey,” Siraj once shared, reflecting on his rapid rise.

After just two years on the professional circuit, Siraj was in the IPL headlines when he signed a Rs 2.6-crore contract with Sunrisers Hyderabad for the 2017 season, giving him financial stability and catching the eye of selectors in India.

Despite representing Delhi in the Ranji Trophy since 2016, he got his first taste of international cricket during India’s 20th international match against New Zealand later the same year.


National Breakthrough and IPL Bid

Mohammad Siraj

image credit : crictracker

Key Milestones Details
IPL Breakthrough Rs 2.6 crore deal with Sunrisers Hyderabad
Ranji Trophy Performance Leading wicket-taker for Hyderabad (41 scalps)
International Debut T20I against New Zealand in 2017

Siraj’s successful Ranji Trophy spell with Hyderabad made it clear that Siraj is something special.

He was the state’s leading scorer in a single season, with 41 scalps in his second season. His consistent performances led to a call-up to the rest of India for the Iran Cup.

This was followed by South Africa’s India-A tour in 2017 with his performance for India-A. He was quickly promoted to the Indian senior team, joining the team.

At IPL, Prasidh Krishna made his mark at Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Siraj further refined his art under the guidance of VVS Laxman and the leadership of David Warner.

The sight of him steaming in from a deceptive left-arm run-up and getting the ball to swing into the right-handed batsman was indeed a handy weapon.

His pacey bouncers and no-nonsense attitude on the field caught the eyes of his IPL teammates first before it reached the ears of Indian selectors.

Related Article : Jasprit Bumrah: An awe-inspiring talent of Indian cricket


Consistent performance throughout the Internationals

Format Matches Wickets Best Figures
Test Cricket 29 76 6/15
One-Day Internationals 44 71 6/21

Although Siraj made his international debut for India in T20I matches, it was in Test cricket. He found his true vocation. Morkel’s physical strength and bowling ability make him a suitable role model for Test cricket.

He is no stranger to cheering. Because the bounce off the dead gate and the swing he got from both ends were greatly admired.

Playing 29 Tests, Siraj has taken 76 wickets in his career. Including an outstanding second innings match against Sri Lanka with best figures of 6/15 in the series as India won the first Test series on Australian soil in 2018-19.

Senior bowler Siraj, therefore, has a huge responsibility on his shoulders. But came on straight as he became Brisbane’s leading fast bowler with five wickets…

“I play every match as if it’s my last. That keeps me motivated,” Siraj said when asked about his relentless drive.

Siraj’s regular dance has been a savior at one-day internationals as well. He has 71 wickets in 44 games at an average of 24.04 and a best result of 6/21, the right-hander’s all-round performance over the years.

Let’s make him play one-day cricket for India continuously. And he remains an important part of the team as they prepare ahead of a major tournament.


Investment in the future — a crucial player for India

Such consistency has recently seen Siraj feature much more regularly in India’s pace quartet across formats.

He has a special blend of determination and aggression with control actions that everyone can understand why he is a favorite among the crowd.

Siraj will be expected to play a key role in the ICC events and other international assignments eventually, as his knack for breaking through with the new ball has been beneficial in ODIs for India.

Even as he took one fast-track route after another, Siraj has always kept his father at the front and center of his story of success.

His inspiring tale from the son of an autorickshaw driver into one of India’s main fast bowlers is no less than a journey full of hard work, passion, and belief. But there is no doubt that we are yet to see the best of Mohammed Siraj.

FAQs

  1. When did Mohammad Siraj make his IPL debut?
    • Siraj made his IPL debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2017.
  2. What are Siraj’s best bowling figures in Test cricket?
    • His best figures in Test cricket are 6/15.
  3. How many wickets has Siraj taken in ODIs?
    • Siraj has taken 71 wickets in 44 ODI matches.

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References:

ESPNCricInfo.com

Sportstar.com

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