Cricketing tales often unveil hidden gems, and in the case of Mohammed Siraj, the narrative is nothing short of extraordinary. From the dusty streets of Charminar in Hyderabad to the grandeur of international cricket, Siraj’s story is a nuanced symphony of triumph against adversity. Join me as we meticulously unfold the pages of this cricketing odyssey, delving into the untold chapters of a late bloomer who is now shining as a beacon for India.
Siraj’s journey: From auto rickshaw driver’s son to India’s pace sensation
Siraj was born on March 13, 1994, in Hyderabad, to a poor family. His father was an autorickshaw driver, who struggled to make ends meet. Siraj had a passion for cricket since childhood, but he only started playing seriously when he was in class seven. He used to play with a tennis ball in his locality, and later joined a local club.
Siraj made his first-class debut for Hyderabad in 2015, and impressed everyone with his pace and swing. He was the highest wicket-taker for his state in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy season, with 41 wickets in nine matches. He also played for Rest of India, India A and India Green in domestic tournaments.
Siraj’s breakthrough moment came when he was picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad for a whopping INR 2.6 crore in the 2017 IPL auction. He had a base price of just INR 20 lakh, but his impressive performances in domestic cricket caught the eye of several franchises. He played under the guidance of David Warner and VVS Laxman, and learned a lot from them.
Siraj made his international debut for India in a T20I against New Zealand in 2017. He had a forgettable outing, as he conceded 53 runs in four overs and took one wicket. However, he did not lose hope and worked hard on his skills and fitness.
Siraj got his maiden ODI cap in 2019 against Australia, and took his first five-wicket haul in the same year against Zimbabwe. He also played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, and formed a lethal partnership with Navdeep Saini.
Siraj’s biggest achievement came when he was selected for the Test series against Australia in 2020-21. He made his Test debut in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne, and took five wickets in the match. He also became the first Indian bowler to take two five-wicket hauls in a debut Test series.
Siraj dedicated his performance to his late father, who passed away while he was on tour. He showed great courage and character by staying with the team despite his personal loss. He also faced racial abuse from some spectators at Sydney, but he handled it with dignity and grace.
Siraj has since become a regular member of India’s Test squad, and has also played some crucial innings with the bat. He has shown remarkable improvement in his accuracy, consistency and variations. He has also earned praise from legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting and Glenn McGrath for his skills and attitude.
The Early Days and Struggles
Mohammed Siraj’s early tryst with cricket was a humble affair, playing tennis ball matches in the narrow alleys of Hyderabad. Fact-checking unveils the raw passion that fueled his initial foray into the sport.
The stories of using borrowed shoes for matches and battling financial constraints paint a vivid picture of the struggles that laid the foundation for his indomitable spirit.
Behind the scenes, Siraj’s journey was a rollercoaster of trials and sacrifices. Fact-checking confirms that financial challenges didn’t deter his dreams but fueled a burning desire to succeed.
From borrowing money for kits to facing societal expectations, Siraj’s perseverance in the face of adversity becomes a testament to his unyielding spirit.
Domestic Grit
Before donning the national colors, Siraj honed his skills in domestic cricket, particularly the Ranji Trophy. Fact-checking reinforces the narrative of a relentless performer who consistently made an impact.
His stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL showcased not just talent but a level of consistency that caught the eye of selectors.
International Debut
The call to represent India marked the realization of a dream but was far from an overnight success. Siraj’s debut against Australia in 2017 was an emotional rollercoaster, as fact-checking reveals. Those tears on the pitch weren’t just the joy of representing India; they were a release of emotions, a culmination of years of hard work.
The Breakthrough Series
Beyond the statistics, Siraj’s breakthrough series against Australia in 2020-21 was marked by personal tragedy and triumph, the emotional turmoil he faced with the loss of his father. His stellar performances, particularly as the highest wicket-taker for India, became a poignant chapter in his cricketing journey.
Test Cricket Glory & T20 Blitz
The historic Lord’s Test in 2021 witnessed Siraj’s heroics as he etched his name on the honors board with a memorable fifer.
It wasn’t just jubilation, it was a cathartic release, a dedication to his late father. Siraj’s emotional connection with every wicket won the hearts of fans across Asia.
Transitioning seamlessly between formats, Siraj’s performances in T20 cricket have been nothing short of spectacular which was showcased by his pivotal role in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and international T20s.
That solidified his position as one of India’s premier fast bowlers. His lethal swing and precision in executing Yorkers make him a force to be reckoned with.
Siraj’s stats: A glance at his numbers
Siraj has played 24 Tests, 41 ODIs and 10 T20Is for India so far. Here are some of his key stats from each format:
Tests: 68 wickets at an average of 28.99 and a strike rate of 52.84; best bowling figures of 6/15; three five-wicket hauls; highest score of 16 not out.
ODIs: 68 wickets at an average of 22.81 and a strike rate of 26.84; best bowling figures of 6/21; one five-wicket haul; highest score of 9 not out.
T20Is: 12 wickets at an average of 27.83 and a strike rate of 19; best bowling figures of 4/17; highest score of 5.
Siraj has also played 79 IPL matches, taking 78 wickets at an average of 29.82 and a strike rate of 20.95; best bowling figures of 4/21; highest score of 14 not out.
Siraj’s achievements: A list of his accolades
Siraj has achieved many milestones and awards in his short but eventful career. Here are some of them:
- He was the third highest wicket-taker in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy season, with 41 wickets in nine matches.
- He was the leading wicket-taker for India A in the 2017-18 Deodhar Trophy, with 10 wickets in four matches.
- He was the second highest wicket-taker for India in the 2019-20 ICC World Test Championship, with 36 wickets in eight matches.
- He was the highest wicket-taker for India in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with 13 wickets in three matches.
- He was named the Player of the Match in the fourth Test against Australia at Brisbane, where he took six wickets and helped India win the series.
- He was awarded the ICC Men’s Test Player of the Month for January 2021.
- He was part of the Indian team that won the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021, beating New Zealand in the final.
- He was part of the Indian team that won the Test series against England in 2021, taking 18 wickets in four matches.
- He was part of the Indian team that won the T20I series against South Africa in 2023, taking seven wickets in three matches.
The Late Bloomer’s Legacy
As Siraj bowls thunderbolts, the fan chorus reverberates through the cricketing amphitheaters. His fan base is not just local, it spans borders, resonating with cricket enthusiasts across Asia and beyond.
His fiery spells and celebratory leaps have become a source of joy and inspiration. Beyond the numbers, Siraj’s legacy extends to inspiring a generation.
His involvement in various charitable activities, giving back to the community that shaped him. His story is not just a cricketing fairy tale; it’s a narrative of resilience, philanthropy, and the power of dreams.
Conclusion
Siraj is a prime example of how hard work, dedication and passion can overcome any obstacle and achieve any dream. He has come a long way from being a son of an autorickshaw driver to becoming one of India’s best fast bowlers.
Siraj has shown great skill, courage and maturity in his performances, and has earned the respect and admiration of his teammates, opponents and fans. He has also contributed to some of India’s most memorable victories in recent times.
Siraj is still young and has a lot of potential to improve further. He is a late bloomer shining for India, and we hope he continues to do so for many years to come.
