The Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj immediately visited his father’s grave first thing after landing in Hyderabad, his home town, as he came back to the country after completing India’s tour of Australia. Siraj had lost his father in November 2020 when the Indian team was in Australia. He had the option of returning home but the pacer chose to stay back with the team for the series.

Talking to the reporters on Thursday evening, Siraj said, “I went to father’s graveyard straight after landing in Hyderabad.  I was very emotional.” Siraj made his Test debut in the second Test in Melbourne and finished the Border-Gavaskar series with 13 wickets – the most by any bowler from the visiting team in the series.

Sweet homecoming: spending time with niece at home, strolling in balcony #IndiaHero #MohdSiraj, who returned to #Hyderabad & to family after five months: a lot happened in between, he lost his dear father who was his biggest support always & became India's pride @ndtv @ndtvindia pic.twitter.com/gVM3gvKwAf

— Uma Sudhir (@umasudhir) January 21, 2021

Later, Mohammed Siraj was seen spending time with his niece in the balcony of his home as he was reunited with his family after a long break of five months.

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Before the Australia tour, Siraj was part of Royal Challengers Bangalore and played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in the United Arab Emirates.

Siraj picked up his maiden five-wicket haul in the fourth Test in Brisbane and said his focus was on fulfilling his father’s wish.

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Mohammed Siraj explained, “I am thankful that I was able to pick five wickets as it was a very tough situation for me after my dad passed away. But after talking to my mom at home, I gained some confidence. My focus was to fulfill my dad’s wish. I want to thank God that I got the chance to play for India as it was my dad’s wish too. If he was alive today, he would have been very happy. But I know his blessings were with me and I am speechless after my performance.”