Mohammed Siraj, one of India’s most passionate and fiery pacers, recently reflected on the invaluable advice he received from former captain MS Dhoni — words that helped shape his mental toughness in international cricket. Known for his raw pace and aggressive intent, Siraj recalled how Dhoni’s wisdom helped him handle the inevitable ups and downs of a high-pressure career.
“I remember when I joined Team India, MS Dhoni told me not to pay attention to what others say,” Mohammed Siraj revealed. “When you’re performing well, everyone will praise you. But the moment you fail, they’ll start abusing you.” Those words, Siraj admitted, have stayed with him throughout his journey.
True to Dhoni’s prediction, Siraj has seen both extremes of fan reactions. When he’s in form, he’s hailed as India’s next pace sensation; when he struggles, trolls are quick to drag him down. The online criticism often turned personal, targeting his humble background.
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“The trolling was bad,” Mohammed Siraj shared candidly. “One day they call you a hero, and the next, they tell you to ride the auto with your father. What’s the point? People change so quickly.”
That relentless scrutiny pushed Mohammed Siraj to develop emotional resilience. He decided to block out the noise and focus on what truly matters — his family and teammates. “I realised I don’t need outside validation. What my team and family think is what counts,” he asserted.
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The Hyderabad-born pacer’s story since then has been one of redemption and determination. Siraj led India’s pace attack brilliantly in the drawn Test series against England, especially in the absence of senior bowler Jasprit Bumrah. His consistency continued in India’s dominant win over the West Indies, where his aggressive spells reminded fans of his potential. As India gears up for the challenging tour of Australia, Siraj aims to carry forward his momentum, embodying Dhoni’s timeless advice — stay grounded, no matter what the world says.
