My dad used to save the cut-outs from newspapers if my photo got published: Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj’s awe-inspiring rise to prominence and his mind-blowing screamers against Australia and England showed it to the world that he is the new kid on the block who was here to stay.

Siraj’s inclusion to the national side started exuding promising glimpses of some devastating movement that can leave both the batting and the bowling parties guessing.

However, his rise to prominence wasn’t a cakewalk. He had to walk through hell and when he came out, he had menacing burns on him. Yet, he didn’t give up. Took one step at a time and when the opportunity came knocking, he was there to answer.

Before the vital series of Australia, he lost his father. Yet, he chose to carry on. There were tears rolling down his eyes while singing the national anthem. The determination and the dedication that he brought to the country and the franchise was unparalleled.

Speaking on the RCB podcast, he said, “Dad wasn't keeping well in 2020. So, whenever I used to speak to him, we were always crying on the call. So, I didn't talk a lot with him because he'd keep crying and it made me feel very helpless.”

“When the IPL got over, nobody told me dad was so seriously ill. Whenever I called or asked, they'd say he's sleeping or he's resting, so I'd tell them, okay, don't disturb him. It was only when I reached Australia that I got to know that dad was in such a critical condition. I fought with my entire family ... 'why didn't you tell me sooner'. They'd say we didn't want it to affect your career or your concentration and it made me angry. I told them if you would've told me earlier I would have at least met him before leaving for Australia. When he finally spoke to me, all he asked of me was to focus on playing for the country, fulfilling my dream and making the country proud. That's all I remembered and that's the only reason I stayed back because my dad wanted me to play for my country and make my country proud. I thought of leaving the day he passed, but his words were the only thing that kept me back in Australia,” he further added. 

Shedding light on his tears incident while singing the national anthem, Siraj said, “My dad used to save the cut-outs from newspapers if my photo got published after a good performance and standing there [on Test debut] singing the national anthem I couldn't stop thinking how proud he would have been of me seeing him in India jersey, playing for the country. His words kept ringing in my ears even as I sang the national anthem.”

He concluded by saying how Virat Kohli provided him the ultimate inspiration. His words were, “Virat Kohli told me something I'd never be able to forget. After returning from Australia, he said 'Miyan, well bowled, what you've done in Australia is unbelievable. Nobody will be able to forget what you've done there. Keep at it and keep your focus on fitness and keep putting in the hard work.”