About Mohammed Siraj
 |
| Credit to Google Images |
Mohammed Siraj is an Indian cricketer who has made a name for himself as a fast bowler, known for his pace, aggression, and ability to generate bounce. Born on March 13, 1994, in Hyderabad, India, Siraj has risen through the ranks of Indian cricket with his sheer talent and perseverance.
Early Life and Background
Mohammed Siraj was born into a modest family in Hyderabad. His father, who worked as an auto-rickshaw driver, and his mother were supportive of his passion for cricket. Siraj's cricketing journey began in the streets of Hyderabad, where he initially played tennis ball cricket before progressing to professional cricket.
He initially played as a medium-fast bowler but gained recognition for his ability to bowl with pace. His breakthrough came when he was spotted by former Indian cricketer M. K. Raghavan, who encouraged him to pursue the game seriously.
Domestic Career
Siraj made his debut for Hyderabad in the 2015-16 domestic season in the Ranji Trophy. He soon attracted attention with his consistent performances and ability to bowl with pace and aggression. His standout performances in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy season, where he picked up 41 wickets, were crucial in earning him a place in the Indian team.
In the 2017-18 season, Siraj's impressive performances continued, which helped him solidify his place in the national limelight. His success in domestic cricket led to his selection in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well, where he was bought by the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2017.
IPL Career
Siraj was first picked up by the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2017 IPL auction. He made his IPL debut in 2017 and played for SRH for a few seasons. He was later picked by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2018 IPL season. With RCB, Siraj became known for his ability to bowl well in the death overs and his pace and accuracy. His most notable performance in the IPL came in the 2020 season, when he bowled a brilliant spell against the Kolkata Knight Riders, picking up key wickets.
International Career
Mohammed Siraj's international debut came in 2017 when he was called up to the Indian squad for a limited-overs series against Sri Lanka. However, it was his debut in Test cricket that truly marked his arrival on the global stage.
Test Debut: Siraj made his Test debut for India in December 2020 against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He was drafted into the team as a replacement for the injured Mohammed Shami. In his debut Test, Siraj impressed with his skill and temperament, taking 5 wickets in the match. This performance was crucial in India's historic victory in that series, especially after India faced several challenges due to injuries to key players.
Australia Tour (2020-21): Siraj’s rise to prominence came during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. He emerged as one of India's key bowlers in the absence of senior players like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Siraj's performances in the series were exceptional, and he finished as one of the top wicket-takers for India. His 5-wicket haul in the second Test at the MCG was particularly memorable, and his role in India's famous series win in Australia cemented his reputation as a bowler capable of handling pressure at the highest level.
India vs England and Other Tours: Siraj continued to impress in subsequent international series, including India’s tour to England in 2021. He was part of the squad for the World Test Championship final against New Zealand in 2021, though he did not play in the match. He remained a regular feature in India's Test team, continuing to develop his skills and proving his worth on a variety of pitches, both home and abroad.
Playing Style and Strengths
Mohammed Siraj is primarily known for his aggressive, attacking style of bowling. He bowls with good pace, typically clocking speeds between 140-145 km/h (87-90 mph), and can extract bounce even on flatter pitches. He is also known for his consistency, his ability to swing the ball, and his mental toughness, especially in high-pressure situations.
His ability to bowl long spells and maintain intensity has made him a valuable asset to the Indian team, especially in Test cricket. His performances in tough, overseas conditions have made him one of India's most promising fast bowlers.
Personal Life
Siraj comes from a humble background, and his rise to fame is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has spoken about the sacrifices made by his family, particularly his father, who passed away during Siraj's debut tour of Australia. Siraj has dedicated many of his performances to his late father and often mentions how his family's support has been a key factor in his success.
Legacy and Impact
Since his debut, Siraj has quickly established himself as one of India's key fast bowlers, known for his aggressive mindset, skill, and ability to perform under pressure. His rise from playing in domestic leagues to becoming a key player in India's national cricket team is a remarkable story of perseverance and dedication. His performances in overseas tours, particularly in Australia, have made him a favorite among Indian cricket fans, and he is expected to play a key role in India's bowling attack for years to come.
In summary, Mohammed Siraj's journey from a young cricketer in Hyderabad to a crucial member of India's pace battery is a testament to his skill, hard work, and determination. As of 2024, Siraj continues to be a mainstay in India's international cricket teams, with many more milestones expected in his career.
0 Comments