I owe my career to Virat Kohli: Mohammed Siraj

It was like any other practice session in Australia until Mohammed Siraj’s world came crashing down as he was told of his father’s untimely demise by skipper Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri. A shocked and shattered Siraj immediately rushed to his hotel room, sat down and just cried.

Not a soul would’ve mind had Mohammed Siraj made an early departure back home and attend the funeral. However, the young speedster chose to stay back and play the entire series against Australia, something he said his father would’ve wanted. 

Also Read: It shouldn’t be Mohammed Siraj versus Ishant but Siraj versus Shami for India’s WTC final

Given the pandemic and quarantine regulations, Siraj had to pick between seeing his father for the last time or stay on national duty for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. That the inexperienced paceman could gain the courage to keep himself going for cricket was immensely inspiring and had a lot to do with the support provided by the management, especially captain Virat Kohli. 

Also Read: “Virat Kohli Has Always Been Supportive Of His Fast Bowlers”, Says Mohammad Shami

Mohammed Siraj for plays India and RCB under Virat Kohli’s captaincy.

“I owe my career to him”, Mohammed Siraj on Virat Kohli’s unwavering support

“I had lost my father during the Australia series. I was shattered and not really in my senses. It was Virat bhaiya who gave me strength and support.  Mera career Virat bhaiya ke wajah se hai (I owe my career to Virat Kohli),” Mohammed Siraj told the Times of India. 

“He (Virat) has supported me through thick and thin. He has always been there for me and in all circumstances. I still remember how I was crying in the hotel room. Virat bhaiya came into my room and hugged me tightly and said – ‘I am with you, don’t worry.’ Those words encouraged me a lot.” 

“He (Virat) played just one Test on the tour but his messages and calls motivated me. And that’s why I could perform. In fact, I didn’t have a good season with RCB in the past two years. But he (Virat) was always there to support me. He has backed me a lot,” he added. 

Also Read: Fans evicted from SCG after racism complaint from Mohammed Siraj

Kohli had gone through the same experience when he lost his father back in 2006 and the skipper made sure Mohammed Siraj was in the right headspace to take the field. The pacer ended the Test series with 13 wickets from 3 matches at an average of 29.54 and was instrumental to India’s historic 2-1 victory.

Siraj recalled another incident from the recently suspended IPL 2021 when Virat Kohli’s unwavering support helped him. Siraj was standing outside the dressing room following the 69-run defeat in Mumbai versus Chennai Super Kings (CSK) when the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain gave him a pep talk. 

“Virat bhaiya always says – ‘tere paas ability hai, tu kar sakta hai, tere paas ability hai kisi bhi wicket pe khelne ka, tu kisi bhi batsman ko out kar sakta hai’ (You have the ability, the ability play on any wicket and get rid of any batsman),” Mohammed Siraj said. 

“Recently, after our match vs CSK, Virat bhaiya came and said ‘Miaan.. tumhare mein jo changes aaye hain.. those are amazing’ (The changes you have brought about in your bowling are amazing). It will be benefitting our team. Be ready for the England tour. All the best. Keep up the good work. These words from one of the best captains in the world motivate me a lot,” he added.