Mohammed Siraj became part of the Indian national cricket team as a right-arm fast bowler in 2018. As of September 2023, he is ninth in the ICC men’s ODI bowler rankings. In domestic cricket, he plays for the Hyderabad team and represents Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Early Life :
Born on March 13, 1993, in Hyderabad, India, Mohammed Siraj comes from a humble background. His father, Mohammed Ghaus, was an auto-rickshaw driver, while his mother, Shabana Begum, is a homemaker. The financial constraints of his upbringing did not deter him; instead, they fueled his aspirations. Siraj had to overcome various challenges including limited resources and lack of formal training during his early years. Yet, cricket was always the escape, the dream that lit up his world. His journey began with tennis ball cricket, a simpler form of the game played in narrow streets and empty lots throughout India.
Domestic Career :
His professional cricket journey began with his first-class debut on November 15, 2015, while playing for Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy tournament of that year, coached by Karthik Udupa. He had his T20 debut in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournament on January 2, 2016. During the 2016–2017 Ranji season, he emerged as the leading wicket-taker for his team, claiming 41 wickets with an impressive average of 18.92.
Siraj was acquired by the Sunrisers Hyderabad in February 2017 for the IPL season that year with a contract worth 2.6 crore INR. He later switched to the Royal Challengers Bangalore team following the 2018 IPL auction.
In the 2017–2018 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he stood out as the top wicket-taker, recording 23 wickets in seven games. He also earned spots in India A’s and India B’s squads for the Deodhar Trophies in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
In a memorable IPL match on October 21, 2020, he achieved the unique feat of delivering two consecutive maiden overs, a first in IPL history.
International Journey :
Mohammed Siraj’s journey on the international cricket stage began in late 2017. He was called up for the Indian T20I team to face New Zealand and made his T20I bow on November 4 of that year, taking a single wicket while giving up 53 runs. Although he was part of the roster for the 2018 Nidahas Trophy, he didn’t see any game action. He was also shortlisted for Test cricket for the series against the West Indies in 2018 but didn’t make an appearance.
Siraj made his mark in One Day Internationals on January 15, 2019, facing off against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. Towards the end of 2020, he was selected for India’s Test squad touring Australia and debuted in this format on December 26. His first Test scalp was Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne, and he later achieved a five-for in a Test match in January 2021 against the same opponent.
In January 2023, during an ODI series against New Zealand, Siraj played a pivotal role, snaring four wickets to contribute to India’s win by a margin of 12 runs. This performance aided him in achieving the top position in the ICC ODI bowler rankings by the end of that month.
Just before the 2023 Asia Cup, the BCCI included him in the 15-member squad representing India, as of August 21, 2023. In a record-setting feat during the Asia Cup finale on September 17, 2023, Siraj equaled the fastest-ever six-wicket haul in ODIs, matching a record originally held by Sri Lankan bowler Chaminda Vaas since the 2003 World Cup. Siraj concluded the match with a career-best 6/21 and earned the distinction of being the first Indian bowler to claim four wickets in one over.
Skills that Stand Out :
What makes Siraj special is not just his pace and swing but also his unflappable attitude. He has the knack for picking up crucial wickets and can bowl effectively in all three formats of the game. His yorkers are lethal, and his bouncers are intimidating. His skill in reverse swing is also noteworthy, a trait that makes him highly effective in subcontinent conditions.
Conclusion :
Mohammed Siraj’s story is one of determination, grit, and an undying love for the game of cricket. From the streets of Hyderabad to the lush green fields of international cricket, his journey has been nothing short of inspirational. His tale serves as a beacon of hope for many aspiring cricketers who come from modest backgrounds but harbor grand ambitions.
His story reaffirms the idea that passion, coupled with hard work and a bit of luck, can overcome any obstacle. As Siraj continues to make strides in international cricket, one thing is clear: he is here to stay, and the cricketing world can expect many more match-winning performances from this incredibly talented young man.
Rising star⭐
Great talent