Mohammed Siraj’s cricketing journey is a true rags-to-riches story. Coming from a modest background, he has worked his way up to become one of the leading fast bowlers in Indian cricket today. A regular feature in the Indian Test team, Siraj has earned praise for his relentless pace and commitment on the field. However, his rise to prominence has not been without challenges.
Throughout his career, Siraj has encountered both praise and criticism, particularly on social media. Despite the highs and lows, the pacer recently revealed an invaluable piece of advice he received from legendary captain MS Dhoni — guidance that helped him navigate the harsh realities of public opinion.
MS Dhoni’s Timeless Advice on Handling Criticism
Siraj shared a memorable interaction from the early days of his India career when Dhoni offered him a simple yet profound lesson on dealing with external opinions. “I remember when I joined the India team, MS Dhoni had told me, ‘Kisi ki baaton mein nahin aana. Jab tu acha karega, toh poori duniya tumhare saath rahegi, aur jab kharaab karega, yahi duniya tujhe gaali degi’ (Don’t pay attention to what others say.
When you are performing well, the entire world will be with you, and when you aren’t, they will abuse you),” Siraj recalled during the Indian Express Idea Exchange. These words left a lasting impact on him, teaching him that public perception is fickle and often sways with a player’s form.
Siraj further reflected on the unpredictable nature of opinions, saying, “In one match, you were the hero, and the next match you’re zero? How can people change so fast? I realized I don’t need any outside opinions. What matters to me is what my family thinks and what my teammates think of me.”
Consistent Performances and Growing Legacy
Siraj’s evolving maturity and focus have translated into strong performances on the field. In the first Test against West Indies in October, he emerged as the standout bowler, taking four wickets in the first innings and three in the second, outperforming even star pacer Jasprit Bumrah.
His efforts helped India secure a massive innings and 140-run victory. Earlier in the year, Siraj’s stellar display against England — where he took 23 wickets in five Tests — placed him in elite company, becoming only the third Indian pacer after Kapil Dev and Bumrah to claim 20 or more wickets in multiple Test series. With his grounded mindset and unwavering determination, Siraj continues to strengthen his place as a vital force in India’s fast-bowling attack.
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