The 2020/21 tour of Australia had been very memorable experience for the Indian fans. They became the first Asian countries to win back-to-back Test series Down Under. The fact that India managed to do this without several key players like Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, and Hanuma Vihari is a testament to the commitment of the players and management and the squad depth.
Several young and uncapped players stepped up to the challenge. Among them was 25-year-old Mohammed Siraj who made his Test debut in the Melbourne Test, leaving an immediate mark. With 13 wickets, Siraj finished as the highest wicket-taker for India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
It might be hard to believe that Siraj’s phenomenal performances came in the backdrop of his father’s tragic demise a month earlier. However, the fast bowler decided to stay back with the team instead of returning to India in order to fulfil his and his father’s dream of making India proud.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore speedster also credited Indian skipper Virat Kohli for always showing faith and confidence in his talent.
“Virat Bhai is always there. When I couldn’t perform well in the IPL two years back, he showed faith in my ability. He retained me in RCB and I am grateful for this,” said Siraj.
Siraj also went on to shed light on what head coach Ravi Shastri told him when he heard of his father’s death.
“When I lost my father during the Australia tour, both Ravi sir and bowling coach Bharat Arun sir were so suuportive. Ravi sir came to me and told, tu test match khel, dekh tereko 5 wickets milega. Tere Daddy ka dua tera saath hoga (You play the test match.
You will get 5 wickets as your father’s blessings will be with you). Match ke baad Ravi sir ne bahut khus hokar bola, tujhe bola tha na 5 wickets milega (I told that you will be getting five wickets). I became very confident after my coaches encouraged me in such a way,” Siraj told ABP news.
Mohammed Siraj picked up a dream five-wicket-haul in the final and historic Test at The Gabba where India registered a thrilling win to win the Test series!
