The memories of the last Australia tour will be as fresh as yesterday for the Indian pacer, Mohammed Siraj. He lost his father to a lung ailment when he was in Australia, but he continued to be on the Indian team. He produced a stellar performance which helped India win the series 2-1 win against the Aussies in their own den. Now, Siraj is ready for another overseas assignment – India’s tour of the UK. Siraj has been included in the 20-man Indian squad for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand and then the five-match Test series against England after that.
Talking about the same during a chat with Times of India, Mohammed Siraj said, “Since I made my debut, I always gave my 100 percent for my team. The Australia tour gave me a lot of confidence and I am going to carry that same confidence to England as well. Virat bhaiya always says – ‘You have the ability, the ability to play on any wicket and get rid of any batsman.”
He further added, “Recently, after our match vs CSK, Virat bhaiya came and said ‘The changes you have brought about in your bowling are amazing. It will be benefitting our team. Be ready for the England tour.’ These words from one of the best captains in the world motivate me a lot.”
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Recalling the support he got from Virat when he lost his father was crucial for Siraj as it was an extremely tough time for him personally, during the Australia series.
Siraj recalled, “I had lost my father during the Australia series. It was Virat bhaiya who gave me strength and support. I owe my career to Virat. He (Virat) has supported me through thick and thin. He has always been there for me and in all circumstances. I still remember how I was crying in the hotel room. Virat bhaiya came into my room and hugged me tightly and said – ‘I am with you, don’t worry.’ Those words encouraged me a lot.”
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He further added, “He (Virat) played just one Test on the tour but his messages and calls motivated me. And that’s why I could perform. In fact, I didn’t have a good season with RCB in the past two years. But he (Virat) was always there to support me. Ravi sir always said ‘ You are a champion bowler of our team. He pushed me to bowl in the nets in the practice sessions in those tough times. At this age, he is still so full of energy.”
