The Indian fast bowler, Mohammed Siraj said his mother wanted him to continue his stay in Australia and fulfill his father’s dreams of performing for the country before the fast bowler decided not to come back to India after his father died on Friday. Siraj’s father, Mohammed Ghaus took his last breathe last week after a brief lung ailment.
Mohammed Siraj, who has been picked in the Test squad for the upcoming much-anticipated 4-match series against Australia, said his father’s dream was to see him perform well for the Indian team and that he is geared up to do well. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had said in a statement that Siraj was offered the option of flying back but the 26-year-old fast bowler took the decision to stay with the Indian contingent in Sydney.
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In a video interview for BCCI, Siraj said, “My father was my biggest support, it’s a big loss for me. My father’s wish was to see me play for India. My mindset is to fulfill his dream. My father is not here in this world but he is with me all the time. My mom reminded me of my father’s dreams. She asked me to stay there and perform well for India and fulfill my father’s dream.”
Captioning the video on Twitter, BCCI wrote: “The fast bowler talked about overcoming personal loss and why he decided to continue performing national duties in Australia. Interview by @Moulinparikh”.
Want to fulfill my father's dream: Siraj
The fast bowler speaks about overcoming personal loss and why he decided to continue performing national duties in Australia. Interview by @Moulinparikh
Full interview 👉https://t.co/xv8ohMYneK #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/UAOVgivbx1
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 23, 2020
Siraj had heard the news of his father’s demise on Friday after a practice session with the Indian team in Sydney. He has often spoken about the sacrifices his father made to help him realize his dream of representing India. Siraj made his T20I debut as early as 2019 and his ODI debut in 2019.
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Speaking about the support he has received from his teammates, Siraj said skipper Virat Kohli and the other players have been encouraging him to stay strong. He said, “My teammates have been very supportive, making sure I am not facing any problem here. Virat bhai encouraged me, told me not to take tension and stay strong, and focus on fulfilling your dad’s dreams. He told me that staying strong in this situation will help not just me but my family as well.”
