Mohammed Siraj, the talented Hyderabad pacer, has emerged as a prominent figure in the national cricket team with his exceptional skills and unwavering determination. From facing racial slurs to showcasing his mettle on the field, Siraj’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
Despite a slow start to his international career, Siraj’s hard work paid off during India’s triumphant tour of Australia in 2020-21, where he made his Test debut and played a crucial role. Undeterred by personal tragedy and adversities, Siraj’s motivation remained unwavering, catapulting him to success.
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In the ongoing IPL season, Siraj has been a vital asset for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, leading their bowling attack with 16 wickets from 12 matches. Not only has he impressed with his bowling prowess, but he has also shown remarkable aggression on the field, engaging in fiery exchanges with players from other teams.
During a candid conversation on Gaurav Kapoor’s show “Breakfast With Champions,” Siraj revealed an intriguing incident involving KL Rahul, where he found himself on the receiving end. As a net bowler, Siraj was still waiting for his IPL debut when he bowled to Rahul, who was playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore at the time.
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Despite facing setbacks in the past, Siraj’s skills caught the attention of Bharat Arun, the bowling coach, during his time as a net bowler for SRH. Testing Rahul with a barrage of bouncers, Siraj inadvertently angered the batsman, who questioned his bowling repertoire. This incident made a lasting impression on Arun, who was impressed by Siraj’s abilities and inquired about him from VVS Laxman.
Arun’s faith in Siraj paid off the following year when he took charge as the coach of the Hyderabad team in the Ranji Trophy. Despite initial reluctance from selectors, Arun insisted on including Siraj in the squad, threatening to abstain if his request was denied. Eventually, Siraj’s selection proved to be a masterstroke as he emerged as the highest wicket-taker for Hyderabad that season, solidifying his place in the team.