Mohammad Siraj, the hero of the Asia Cup final, had a remarkable journey from humble beginnings to cricket stardom. Born into a financially constrained family in Hyderabad, Mohammad Siraj’s path to becoming a cricketer was paved with determination and unwavering support from his father, Mohammad Gaus.
His outstanding performance in a one-day match, where he took five wickets in just 16 balls, equaled Chaminda Vaas’s world record. This pivotal moment led India to clinch the Asia Cup with Siraj’s exceptional bowling performance alongside Rishabh Pant. Let’s delve into the inspiring journey of Mohammad Siraj.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Struggles
Mohammad Siraj was born on March 13, 1992, into a modest family in Hyderabad. His father, Mohammad Gaus, worked as an auto-rickshaw driver, while his mother, Shabana Begum, was a homemaker. Financial constraints made pursuing cricket a daunting challenge, but it was his father’s dream to see his son become a cricketer, a dream that Mohammad Siraj would eventually fulfill through hard work and determination.
Siraj’s cricketing journey began at the age of seven, when he started playing cricket with a tennis ball. He used the meager allowance of 100 rupees provided by his father to fill his bike’s fuel tank and attend cricket practice. His trusty companion during those days was a Platina bike. Despite the financial struggles, Mohammad Siraj’s talent started catching the eye of selectors while playing local cricket for Hyderabad.
Rising through the Ranks:
After representing the Hyderabad Under-19 team, Mohammad Siraj made his way into the senior team and then the Ranji Trophy team. However, his path was not without challenges. He revealed in interviews that his family was going through tough times, with his father providing him with a daily allowance of 100 rupees to support his cricketing pursuits. During this period, Siraj would ride his Platina bike to practice, making the best of limited resources.
In the 2016–17 Ranji Trophy season, Mohammad Siraj emerged as Hyderabad’s leading wicket-taker with an impressive tally of 41 wickets. His stellar performances continued in the 2017-18 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he took 23 wickets in seven matches for Karnataka. These performances brought him into the national spotlight.
IPL Debut and National Call-Up:
In 2017, Mohammad Siraj made his debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, who had bought him for 2.6 crore. In the following year, he was acquired by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Virat Kohli played a significant role in nurturing Siraj’s talent during his time at RCB. Mohammad Siraj made history in the IPL by delivering two maiden overs in a single match during the 2020 season, a feat unparalleled in IPL history. His performances in the IPL caught the attention of the BCCI selectors.
In November 2017, Siraj made his T20 International debut for India against New Zealand. He played his first ODI against Australia in January 2019. Although he faced challenges, Siraj’s potential as a pace bowler was evident.
Mohammad Siraj: Crucial Performances and Personal Losses
Mohammad Siraj’s defining moment came during India’s tour of Australia in 2020–21. He was called up to the Test team after Mohammed Shami’s injury. In the historic Test match at the Gabba, Siraj was not only impressed with his bowling skills but also displayed immense courage. He became the highest wicket-taker for India in that series, picking up 13 crucial wickets. However, what made headlines was his emotional moment during the national anthem, where tears welled up in his eyes, touching the hearts of every cricket fan.
In 2023, Mohammad Siraj played a one-day international on his home ground in Hyderabad as part of the series against New Zealand. His family, friends, and fans came to support him, witnessing his dream of playing international cricket on his home turf. His mother and other family members were moved by the moment, expressing their gratitude for seeing their son shine on the world stage.
Future Aspirations and World Cup Dreams:
As Mohammad Siraj continues to lead India’s pace attack, he stands alongside Jasprit Bumrah, forming a formidable bowling duo. The nation hopes that his exceptional skills and determination will help India secure victory in future World Cups. Mohammad Siraj’s journey from rags to cricketing riches is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and unwavering support from his family.
Conclusion:
Mohammad Siraj’s inspirational journey serves as a reminder that talent knows no economic boundaries. His rise from a financially constrained background to the international cricketing stage exemplifies the spirit of resilience and dedication. As he continues to make his mark in the world of cricket, his story will undoubtedly inspire aspiring cricketers and individuals facing challenges to pursue their dreams relentlessly. Mohammad Siraj, a true cricketing hero, is here to stay, and the world eagerly awaits his future achievements on the cricket field.