Mohammed Siraj proved to be a thorn in Australia’s flesh and was one of the major architects of Australia’s doom in the iconic Gabattoir when India breached Australia’s almost impenetrable fortress in 2021.

The fast bowler would script memorable figures that would witness him claim 13 wickets in the series out of which five came in the final test. He would eventually finish as the third highest wicket-taker of the series from three games with only Pat Cummins and fellow RCB pacer Josh Hazlewood leading the tally ahead of the Indian.

That series, however, was a defining moment in Siraj’s career given the fact that he lost his dad just ahead of the series. Alongside his family travails, he was also battling with racism and the stringent Covid-19 protocols that were in place.

He would open up about one of the toughest and yet one of the most memorable moments of his life as he said, “It was really tough for me. My dad was ill during the IPL too. But family members hadn't told me that the matter was serious. I got to know about his condition when I landed in Australia.”

He would also shed some light about the pandemic protocols, “There was Covid-19 protocol as well. We had to quarantine. When we had our practice, I got to know about dad's death. My mother made me strong during that period. She told me, 'Fulfil your dad's dream and make your country proud'. This was my only motivation. I didn't even know if I will get a chance to play. There were senior bowlers in the team.”

He was not even sure whether he would get to play for India in the presence of other senior bowlers in the side. “I finally got an opportunity in the second Test... When I wore my cap in Melbourne, I thought 'dad should've been here. After Mohammed Shami got injured, I got a chance to play for India. One thing was there in my mind that I had performed well for India A and had scalped 8 wickets against Australia A. So, it gave me the confidence to do well in my first Test series for India," he added.