NEW DELHI: The memories of the last Australian tour will stay with Mohammed Siraj forever. While in Australia he lost his father to a lung disease but decided not to return home and put the country and its responsibilities first.
The right arm pacemaker ensured India passed the Australian Test with flying colors despite losing several key players. Siraj played a prominent role in India’s 2-1 win over the Aussies in their own cave. The 26-year-old paid tribute to his late father by finishing the series as the top wicket taker on his team, claiming 13 wickets in 3 tests, including a five-wicket train.
This series was a significant one in Siraj’s young career and went a long way in convincing the powers that be that he belongs on the big stage.
Now Siraj is ready for another assignment abroad – India’s tour of Great Britain. Siraj was added to the 20-man Indian team led by Virat Kohli for the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) against New Zealand and then in the test series of five games against England. 
(Image credit: Jono Searle / Getty Images)
“Since my debut, I’ve always given my team 100 percent. All I win is a win at the end of the day. The win makes me feel special. The Australian tour gave me a lot of confidence and it’s me. ” I will carry the same confidence to England, “Siraj told Timesofindia.com in an exclusive interview.
One man who Siraj attributes the constant support to is the Indian captain Virat Kohli.
Recently, Siraj stood outside the RCB dressing room during the IPL (which was suspended indefinitely after 29 games) after an IPL 2021 game against Chennai Super Kings, which his team lost through 69 runs, when RCB team captain Virat gave him another gave an encouraging lecture.
“Virat Bhaiya always says – ‘tere paas ability hai, tu kar sakta hai, tere paas ability hai kisi bhi wicket pe khelne ka, tu kisi bhi batsman ko out kar sakta hai’ (You have the ability, the ability, to play on every wicket and get rid of every batsman), “Siraj said. 
(Photo credit: BCCI / IPL)
“Recently, after our game against CSK, Virat Bhaiya came up and said ‘Miaan .. tumhare my jo changes aaye hain .. those are amazing‘(The changes you’ve made in your bowling are amazing). Our team will benefit from this. Be ready for the England tour. All the best. Keep it up. These words from one of the best captains in the world motivate me a lot, “said the young pacemaker.
SUPPORT FROM VIRATE AND SHASTRI
Siraj was practicing in Australia when Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri brought him the tragic news of his father’s death. Siraj hurried to his hotel room, sat down and cried. He was shocked.
Siraj recalls the support he received from Virat, who had the same experience in cricket in 2006 when he lost his father. According to Siraj, the support of Virat and team trainer Ravi Shastri was of vital importance to him during an extremely difficult time for him personally during the Australia series.
“I lost my father during the Australia series. I was shaken and not really in my senses. It was Virat Bhaiya who gave me strength and support. Mera career Virat bhaiya ke wajah se hai (I owe my career to Virat) “Siraj, who has played 5 Tests, 1 ODI and 3 T20Is in his career so far, told TimesofIndia.com. 
Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj (Photo by Surjeet Yadav / Getty Images)
“He (Virat) supported me through thick and thin. He was always there for me and under all circumstances. I still remember crying in the hotel room. Virat Bhaiya came into my room and hugged me tightly and said – “I’m with you, don’t worry.” Those words gave me a lot of encouragement. He (Virat) only played one test on the tour, but his messages and calls kept me motivated. And that’s why I was able to perform. In fact, I had Not a good season with RCB years in the last two years. But he (Virat) was always there to support me. He supported me a lot, “said the 27-year-old from Hyderabad.
“Ravi Sir always said ‘ Tu Champion Bowler Hai Humari Team Ka‘(You are a champion bowler on our team). And he patted my back and shoulders hard. He urged me to roll on the nets in training sessions during these tough times. At that age he’s still so energetic, “said Siraj.
