Know Your Player – Mohammed Siraj
Cricketing milestones, rise through the ranks, trials and tribulations and their glamorous lifestyles – we cover it all in ‘Know Your Player’, a brand-new section aimed at keeping you updated with everything you need to know! In this edition, we take a look at India’s rising pace sensation especially in the longest format of the game, Mohammed Siraj. Keep watching this space for a new superstar every time!
The Rise
Born in a humble family, Siraj’s father was an auto-rickshaw driver. Owing to low income, Siraj’s childhood was full of difficulties. He could not afford to train in a cricket academy or hire a coach. He primarily used to play street cricket with a tennis ball.
In 2015, Siraj attended the nets at the Charminar Cricket Club and impressed one and all. He was soon named in Hyderabad’s U-23 side and started climbing higher in club cricket. In the same year, he made his first-class debut for Hyderabad in Ranji Trophy.
It was in the following season that Siraj’s talent came to the fore. He finished as the highest wicket-taker for Hyderabad and the third-highest wicket-taker of the 2016 Ranji Trophy by taking 41 wickets.
This performance paved way for Siraj’s journey towards the India cap. In October 2017, he made his T20I debut for India against New Zealand. Kane Williamson was his maiden wicket in international cricket. However, his inconsistent form kept him away from the Indian side.
On basis of Siraj’s excellent performance in IPL 2020, he was named in India’s Test squad for their series against Australia in Australia. He made his debut in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In the final match of the series at Gabba, he claimed a five-wicket haul. Recently, at Lord’s his eight-wicket haul in the 2nd Test against England proved decisive.
Career Highlights
Off The Field
Aggressive on the field, Siraj maintains a low profile on social media. He is mostly active on Instagram and being part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, he is seen in their various media campaigns. Much like his IPL captain, he is also a fitness freak and often posts his workout videos.
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