Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni Has Backed Me - Mohammed Siraj

India National Cricket Team rising star Mohammed Siraj has been part of the Team India playing XI on a handful of occasions. It was the injury sustained to Jasprit Bumrah which paved a way for his recall to the national squad during the ODI series in Australia. He played a solitary ODI but felt that spending quality time in the dressing room and in the nets has helped him immensely. The experience gained in the training session helped Siraj a lot in shaping himself as an international bowler. Subsequently, Siraj credited Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni for backing him.

Siraj said that his time with the Indian team has helped him improve as a player. The lessons which he learnt in the practice sessions can be translated into games. Siraj also spoke highly on two senior statesmen of the Indian team. Siraj said both Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni spends quality time with the young pacers and all members of the squad. He also added the two veteran cricketers also provide invaluable tips.

Mohammed Siraj says Dhoni and Kohli spent time with all bowlers individually

“They (Kohli and Dhoni) spent time with all bowlers individually. Coaches (Bharat) Arun and Ravi (Shastri) sir’s inputs were also very good. They told me to bowl in the nets like I would bowl in match conditions and that helped me get a lot of focus. They instructed me not to try experiment too much, just bowl back of a length as much as possible,” Siraj was quoted as saying by Cricket Next.

Siraj will be seen playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League. The experience of playing under the Indian skipper Virat Kohli will surely help him going into the future. Siraj said, Kohli, as a captain is a big bonus which helps a bowler counter the plans of a batsman.

“Playing under Virat in RCB is a great experience. He is such a great batsman, he gives great insights to me how a batsman thinks at the crease and how to bowl at different stages,” he added.

Siraj hasn’t been able to make a name for himself in the limited opportunities he has got for the national team. However, he is still a young player. With time by his side, we must surely hope to see Siraj back in the Indian colours in the near future.