The one who handles pressure well, emerges as a winner: Mohammed Siraj

Debutant in the Indian Premier League, Mohammad Siraj had a spectacular start to his IPL career as he picked up 2 wickets for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. With a base price of Rs. 20 lakh, Siraj was eventually bought by the Sunrisers in the auction back in February for an impressive Rs. 2.6 crores.

Siraj was brilliant with the ball in the Ranji Trophy. His efforts were rewarded on Wednesday as the right-arm pacer took the field for defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad against the Delhi Daredevils. Siraj was mighty pleased to finally feature in the IPL and was keen to imbibe Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s knowledge and skills.

The paceman shared his experiences of his debut game with iplt20.com after the match, which saw the Sunrisers come out on top with a 15-run victory over the Delhi Daredevils.

“It was a moment to cherish. I got to know in the morning that I will be making my debut, so I went prepared. Being the first match of IPL, I was also under pressure. But the one who handles it well, emerges as a winner,” Mohammad Siraj said.

Part of a bowling line-up that brims with the experience of both Bhuvi and veteran Ashish Nehra, Siraj was excited to rub shoulders with the senior statesmen from India.

“I get to learn a lot from Bhuvi and Ashish bhai. Considering this is the first match, I hope I get to learn further from these pacers and make a better comeback in my second match,” he added.

Defending 191, the Sunrisers got the first breakthrough as Mohammad Siraj removed the dangerous Sam Billings. He later came back to dismiss the in-form Sanju Samson, who was well settled on 42.

“When I was running, I felt somebody just held my legs together. The moment I released by first ball, I was at ease. I was elated to take the first wicket. In my mind I was just concentrating on making a comeback in the second over and help SRH win the game. If I bowl dot balls, the pressure will build on the batsmen that in turn will hand me another wicket,” the youngster mentioned.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is clearly a major source of inspiration and guidance for the young fast bowler. “Bhuvi’s presence is helping me a lot. He helps me understand how to bowl to a particular batsman. With him I feel comfortable,” Mohammad Siraj concluded.