Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj had a fairytale tour of Australia where he emerged as India’s leading wicket-taker. Siraj got the opportunity to make his debut in the boxing day test match after Mohammad Shami picked up an injury.
Mohammed Siraj claimed a total of 13 wickets across three Test matches and his five-wicket-haul during the 2nd innings of the Brisbane Test was one of the major reasons behind India restricting Australia to a manageable total.
It was an emotional tour for Mohammed Siraj as he had lost his father before the start of the series. But the young Hyderabad pacer chose to stay back with the team instead of returning to attend his father’s last rites. Every time he took a wicket Siraj looked to the skies and gave a tribute to his father.
Mohammed Siraj has now become an integral part of the Indian Test team and he is likely to play a crucial role in the upcoming six Test matches in the United Kingdom. Ahead of the team’s departure to England, the 27-year-old revealed what head coach Ravi Shastri had told him after losing his father in November.
“Test match mein tereko 5 wickets milega” – Ravi Shastri’s words to Mohammed Siraj
Previously Mohammad Siraj had credited captain Virat Kohli for his support. He had revealed that the skipper backed him and supported him throughout.
‘’Virat Bhai is always there. When I couldn’t perform well in the IPL two years back, he showed faith in my ability. He retained me in RCB and I am grateful for this,” Mohammed Siraj told ABP news.
According to Mohammed Siraj, Ravi Shastri had told him after his father’s death that he will play the Test matches and will end up taking a five-wicket-haul because his father’s good wishes are with him. And, that is exactly what happened during the Brisbane Test.
”When I lost my father during the Australia tour, both Ravi sir and bowling coach Bharat Arun sir were so supportive. Ravi sir came to me and told, tu Test match khel, dekh tereko 5 wickets milega. Tere Daddy ka dua tera saath hoga (You play the test match.
You will get 5 wickets as your father’s blessings will be with you). Match ke baad Ravi sir ne bahut khus hokar bola, tujhe bola tha na 5 mileages milega (I told that you will be getting five wickets). I became very confident after my coaches encouraged me in such a way,” Siraj added.
