‘At that moment, I didn't know what was happening with me’ - Mohammed Siraj looks back on his IPL debut

Star Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj has witnessed a rocket rise to the top. Ranked second in the ICC Men’s ODI bowling rankings, Siraj’s prowess with the ball is able to fill even the best batters with fear. However, just like many ace players in world cricket, Siraj also saw his rise through the Indian Premier League (IPL). 

The 29-year-old made his debut in the IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad who roped him in for INR 2.5 crore in the 2017 IPL auction. Recently, he spoke about his very first memories with Hyderabad and reminisced about his debut ahead of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s clash against Hyderabad in the IPL 2023 on Thursday, May 18. 

"I was selected for the first time in 2017 for SRH, I had not played the opening matches. After six matches, I got an opportunity when Tom Moody called me and asked, "Where are you mate?" and I told him "I am home" and he said you are playing today. At that moment, I didn't know what was happening to me. I immediately headed back to the Stadium and made my debut against the Delhi Capitals," Siraj said in a video posted by RCB on their YouTube channel.

I can't express the pressure I was feeling: Mohammed Siraj

Siraj has come a long way from his IPL debut, With 16 wickets in 12 matches, the 29-year-old has been the spearhead of Bangalore’s pace attack. Finding himself in ninth place in the race for the IPL purple cap, Siraj would be keen on improving upon his spell and making his way up the ladder. Ahead of taking on Hyderabad in match 65 of the tournament, Siraj also talked about his first game for the 2016 season champions. 

"It was my first time playing in front of a packed stadium. I was so nervous. I can't express the pressure I was feeling, my body had become heavy, when running I felt like my legs got heavy that I got hit for three fours in a row, but in the fourth ball I got a wicket, so the pressure was released."