Pace bowler Mohammed Siraj has been in the news for the last six to seven months. He made headlines in Australia where, in the absence of senior bowlers, he led the bowling attack and finished the series as the highest wicket-taker for India as well. However, before the three and a half month tour of England, he opened up about his growth, the camaraderie in the Indian team and the plan for the upcoming series as well.
Siraj has seen a huge change in his bowling and he said that he has worked hard on the basics as well. “Yes, I am more confident and mature now. Worked a lot on my line and length besides trying to improve my all-round skills as a bowler. Old Siraj is a story of the past, you will see a new Siraj for sure,” Siraj was quoted as saying.
Mohammed Siraj further added that the Indian team comprised of world-class fast bowlers and the competition is healthy too. And, he stated that it is great learning getting to know useful tips from the experienced fast bowlers in the team.
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“It is a great feeling to be part of this Indian team which can beat the best on their home soil. Personally, I am enjoying the kind of competition I face for a slot in such a formidable outfit. The best part is that all the seniors are so good and open to giving invaluable tips. This is helping me learn a lot about the art of pace bowling,” he expressed. “Obviously the last Australian tour was the defining moment of my career which resulted in a complete change in my attitude towards bowling,”
While the COVID-19 has hit hard on the entire world, sporting events have been taking place mostly behind closed doors and players have to stay inside bio-bubble for months as well. And, this has been affecting their mental health badly too. Howveer, Siraj also opened up about the challenges of moving in bio-bubbles but claimed that it has become the new normal now and everyone had to accept the reality too.
“It is definitely a huge challenge to come out of a bio-bubble during a long quarantine and play the big games straight away. But again, we have to be ready for these kinds of things. Honestly, I don’t know whether I will be there in the eleven or not for the WTC final, but I am determined to bowl as well as possible in the run-up to that big game,” Mohammed Siraj again shared.
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However, the young pacer has played under Virat Kohli in the now-suspended Indian Premier League for the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise and he praised the leadership of Kohli. However, he revealed that his ultimate dream is to be a permanent player of the playing XI and win matches for India as well.
“Yes, having Virat bhai as India captain is a huge plus for me. Playing under him for four IPL seasons for RCB, he trusts me, understands my bowling and knows how to get the best out of me. I want to be a permanent member of the Indian team for a long, long time. I know what kind of struggle I had gone through after a bad 2019 IPL season to push myself back into contention,” concluded Mohammed Siraj.
