Team India have witnessed many talented and hard working pacers in the past who have made their nation proud with their inspiring achievements and career stories. One such story is of birthday boy Mohd Siraj. The 30-year-old also rose from a humble background and is continuing to reach high levels of performance for the Men in Blue.
Mohammed Siraj shared that he had contemplated quitting cricket a few years ago before rising to become one of India’s key pacers. Turning 30 on Wednesday, Siraj disclosed that during the 2019-20 period, he had given himself a year to achieve success in the sport, otherwise, he was prepared to step away.
“In 2020…19 I had thought I am giving myself this last year and after that I will leave the game for good,” said Siraj.
Siraj shared his sentiments and recalled his journey over the years in a video shared by BCCI on the pacer’s 30th birthday.
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As he celebrates his birthday, we head back to Hyderabad where it all began π
The pacer’s heartwarming success story is filled with struggles, nostalgia and good people π€
You’ve watched him bowl, nowβ¦ pic.twitter.com/RfElTPrwmJ
β BCCI (@BCCI) March 13, 2024
In the video, Siraj took fans on a tour of his hometown Hyderabad, showcasing the ground where his journey began and his favorite hangout spots. He expressed that despite traveling extensively nowadays, he finds peace at the Eidgah ground, where everything started for him.
Hailing from a modest background, Siraj shared that he used to work in catering to support his father, who was the sole breadwinner of the family driving an autorickshaw at the time. He recounted burning his hands while flipping roomali roti, highlighting the challenges he faced on his path to success.
“I used to go to do a catering job. My family members used to say that son, please study. I liked playing cricket very much because we used to live on rent also. My dad was the only earning member in the house. If I got a hundred or two hundred rupees, I was happy with it. I used to give 100 or 150 rupees at home and keep 50 for myself. My hands would burn as I had to flip roomali roti. But that’s ok. I have reached here after having my fair share of struggles,” said Siraj.
Siraj took 10 wickets in 8 matches with an impressive economy of 5.23 in the ODI World Cup 2023 and remains one of the most important pacers in Team India in all formats of the game.
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