'I lost the biggest support of my life' - Mohammed Siraj's father passes away aged 53

Mohammed Siraj’s father, Mohammed Ghouse, 53, passed away in Hyderabad on Friday due to a Lung ailment. He breathed his last in a hospital in Hyderabad. Siraj is currently in Sydney, Australia along with Team India for the upcoming Australia series. He was selected for the four-match Test series, which is scheduled to start on December 17.

According to Sportstar website, the news has reportedly reached Siraj in Australia. He got to know about the tragic news after completing his practice session in Sydney. After hearing the news, Siraj stated that his dad is the biggest support in his life.

“My dad’s wish was always this – mera beta, desh ka Naam Roshan Karna (my son, you should make my country proud). And, I will do that for sure,” the pacer told Sportstar. “It is shocking. I lost the biggest support of my life. It was his dream to see me play for the country and I am glad that way I could realise that and bring joy for him,” he told the website.

Mohammed Siraj not to return to India for last rites

With strict COVID-19 quarantine rules in place in Sydney, it’s quite tough for the speedster to return to India for his father’s last rites. The pacer was part of the RCB franchise in the recently concluded IPL 2020. His magical performance came against KKR in Abu Dhabi. After that spell, Siraj revealed that his father wasn’t feeling well in a video released by RCB.

“My dad is unwell these days. His lungs are in bad shape so he has difficulty breathing. I am really worried about that. I can’t even go home to meet and motivate him. I talk on the phone but whenever I do, he starts crying. I can’t even talk for longer hours because I don’t like seeing him crying. So I disconnect the phone early because I can’t hold myself for long. So, I pray to God for his good health. He was admitted to the hospital before the last game. I was really concerned that dad was in the hospital,” Siraj had told in the video posted by RCB after the KKR game.

The paceman played in 9 innings for RCB in IPL 2020 and picked 11 wickets. His best performance came (3/8) against KKR.