How A Telephonic Conversation With His Mother Inspired Mohammed Siraj To Fulfill His Father's Dream

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj’s relentless hard work and patience finally paid off on the fourth day of the ongoing Test against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane as the right-hander claimed his maiden five-wicket haul.

After having made his debut during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, Mohammed Siraj has continuously impressed fans and pundits with not only his precocious skills but also his nerves of steel.

And, the performances that he has put up on the field has only proved just how much the pacer thrives in adversity. It has been a tough three months for Mohammed Siraj.

He lost his father back in November but due to travel restrictions, he could not return home to perform his father’s last riots. And, if that wasn’t enough, the right-hander was subjected to racial slurs by a section of the Australian crowd during the 3rd Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on days 3 and 4.

But the pacer held fort amid all these adversities. How did he manage to do that? The fast bowler, during the virtual press-conference following the 4th day’s play, revealed that it was the motivational words from his mother during a telephonic conversation that gave him the necessary fillip.

“I am thankful that I was able to pick five wickets as it was a very tough situation for me after my dad passed away. But after talking to my mom at home, I gained some confidence. The call with my mom made me mentally strong. My focus was to fulfill my dad’s wish,” Mohammed Siraj said while replying to a query from ANI.

‘I am speechless after my performance’- Mohammed Siraj

Siraj, with his skills and relentlessness, especially in the second innings of the Gabba Test, proved just why he was tipped as the leader of India’s pace attack after champion fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out due to injury.

The right-hander was chuffed to bits after claiming his maiden five-wicket haul and he went on to thank the Almighty for giving him a chance to fulfill his father’s dream of representing the country at the highest level.

“I want to thank god that I got the chance to play for India as it was my dad’s wish too. If he was alive today, he would have been very happy. But I know his blessings were with me and I am speechless after my performance,” said Siraj.

Also Read: Watch: Mohammed Siraj Gets A Standing Ovation By The Indian Contingent After He Claims His Maiden Five-Wicket Haul At The Gabba