When I wore my cap in Melbourne, I thought dad should've been here: Mohammed Siraj

India pacer Mohammed Siraj has become a regular part of the Indian squad. The right-arm pacer bowls with a lot of clarity and always asks some tough questions with the ball. Over the years, Siraj has improved himself as a bowler and made a place for himself in the national squad.

However, Siraj’s breakthrough came during the 2021 India tour of Australia. It must be noted that team India managed to beat mighty Australia in their backyard and completed a famous Test series victory. Siraj played a vital role during the series decider played at Gabba. The right-arm pacer scalped a five-wicket haul in that match and claimed a total of 13 wickets in the series.

My mother made me strong during that period: Mohammed Siraj

Despite losing his dad and battling racism apart from facing strict Covid-19 protocols, the right-arm pacer defied all odds and came out shining in the series.

“It was really tough for me. My dad was ill during the IPL too. But family members hadn’t told me that the matter was serious. I got to know about his condition when I landed in Australia. There was Covid-19 protocol as well. We had to quarantine. When we had our practice, I got to know about dad’s death. My mother made me strong during that period. She told me, ‘Fulfil your dad’s dream and make your country proud. This was my only motivation. I didn’t even know if I will get a chance to play. There were senior bowlers in the team.” recalled Siraj at the trailer launch of ‘Bandon Mein Tha Dum‘, a web series that will stream on Voot.

He was not even sure whether he would get to play for India in the presence of other senior bowlers in the squad. “I finally got an opportunity in the second Test, When I wore my cap in Melbourne, I thought ‘dad should’ve been here. After Mohammed Shami got injured, I got a chance to play for India,” Siraj added.