Mohammed Siraj, one of India’s premier fast bowlers, rose through the ranks through sheer determination and hard work. From the dusty grounds of Hyderabad, Siraj has become a household name in India and a fan-favourite. Known for wearing his heart on sleeve’s, the 31-year-old’s journey is nothing short of inspiration. Here’s a look at his life story?:
Mohammed Siraj, counted among the world’s top fast bowlers today, has become a workhorse with ability to deliver long spells without any complaining. Siraj’s rise was swift: just two years after he started bowling with a proper cricket ball, the right-arm pacer ended up making his India debut. (AP Photo)
Born into a family with limited means, Mohammed Siraj’s father drove an auto while his mother worked as a cleaner and cook. Siraj also worked as a caterer at one point to support his family financially. (Picture Credit: IG/mohammedsirajofficial)
Mohammed Siraj developed love for cricket as a kid and often played cricket in slippers until he was 19 due to lack of funds. (Picture Credit: IG/mohammedsirajofficial)
Mohammed Siraj was eventually picked by a local club where he was given a cricket kit a pair of spikes. (Picture Credit: IG/mohammedsirajofficial)
Mohammed Siraj continued to polish his skills and soon started getting noticed. In his first competitive game for a local club, Siraj reportedly picked a five-wicket haul. (Picture Credit: IG/mohammedsirajofficial)
Mohammed Siraj soon was asked to bowl to during IPL practice sessions where he annoyed KL Rahul by relentlessly bowling bouncers. Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun took note and he was soon picked for Ranji Trophy. (Picture Credit: IG/mohammedsirajofficial)
In 2016 his fortunes – cricket and finance – took a turn for good, he was picked by IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 2.6 crore. (Picture Credit: IG/mohammedsirajofficial)
Mohammed Siraj made his T20I debut in 2017, ODI debut in 2019 and Test debut in 2020. During his maiden Test tour (in Australia), Siraj’s father passed away and an emotional Siraj couldn’t attend the last rite due to covid pandemic restrictions. (Picture Credit: IG/mohammedsirajofficial)
Mohammed Siraj continued to polish his reputation and became a regular in Tests and ODIs. He was member of the India T20I squad that won the world cup in 2024. (Picture Credit: IG/mohammedsirajofficial)
Mohammed Siraj has developed himself into a skillful bowler and has often led the Indian pace attack, admirably, in the absence of maverick Jasprit Bumrah. (Picture Credit: IG/mohammedsirajofficial)
