Mohammed Siraj Cricket Journey: A Story of Struggle, Spirit, and Success! From the narrow streets of Hyderabad to becoming India’s fiery fast bowler, discover how Siraj turned hardships into heroics. Explore his inspiring rise, emotional milestones, and record-breaking performances that define true passion and perseverance in modern cricket.
Introduction: From Hyderabad Streets to the Global Stage
Cricket is not just a game in India — it’s an emotion. And few stories capture that emotion better than Mohammed Siraj’s journey — a tale of raw struggle, unbreakable spirit, and ultimate success.
From bowling with a tennis ball on the dusty grounds of Hyderabad to becoming one of India’s leading fast bowlers, Siraj’s rise is nothing short of cinematic. His journey isn’t merely about wickets and records — it’s about perseverance, hard work, and resilience that inspires millions of aspiring cricketers across the world.
This is the incredible story of Mohammed Siraj — India’s fiery pacer who turned dreams into destiny.
Early Life: Humble Beginnings in Hyderabad
Born on March 13, 1994, in Hyderabad, Mohammed Siraj grew up in a modest household. His father, Mohammed Ghouse, was an auto-rickshaw driver, and his mother, Shabana Begum, worked as a housemaid. Money was always tight, but the Siraj family was rich in values, love, and determination.
Siraj didn’t have access to cricket academies or fancy gear. His first “training” came on the streets of Mehdipatnam, where he bowled tirelessly with a tennis ball. His natural pace and bounce surprised even local players. Despite limited means, Siraj’s family encouraged his passion. His father would save small amounts from his daily earnings just to buy him cricket shoes.
“My father wanted to see me play for India. That was his dream,” Siraj once said tearfully after his debut.
The Turning Point: From Tennis Ball to Leather Ball
In 2015, Siraj’s life took a dramatic turn. His friends convinced him to play with a leather ball for the first time in a local club match. His raw pace and accuracy impressed coaches instantly. Within months, he was selected to play for Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy.
That debut season (2015-16) showcased glimpses of a special talent. He bowled with aggression, heart, and hunger — qualities that soon made him one of Hyderabad’s top pacers.
By 2016-17, he ended the Ranji season as Hyderabad’s highest wicket-taker with 41 wickets in 9 matches. His consistency caught the attention of IPL scouts.
IPL Breakthrough: The Royal Recognition
Siraj’s life changed forever when Sunrisers Hyderabad bought him for ₹2.6 crore in the IPL 2017 auction. From earning a few hundred rupees in local matches to crores in the IPL, it was an emotional transformation.
Under the guidance of David Warner and VVS Laxman, Siraj developed control and strategy alongside pace. But it was his move to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2018 that truly brought out the best in him.
Under Virat Kohli’s captaincy, Siraj became a lethal weapon in the RCB bowling lineup. His fiery spells, unplayable yorkers, and never-give-up attitude earned him respect from fans and critics alike.
“Siraj is the perfect example of grit. He has worked hard for every wicket he’s taken,” said Virat Kohli during IPL 2020.
The India Call-Up: Dreams Turn to Reality
In November 2017, Mohammed Siraj received his maiden India cap for a T20I against New Zealand. The emotion was overwhelming. Tears rolled down his cheeks during the national anthem — a moment that captured the hearts of millions.
His ODI and Test debuts followed soon after, but it was the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia that made him a household name.
The Australia Series: Siraj Becomes a Hero
The series was marred by injuries and personal loss. Siraj’s father passed away just before the Australia tour began. Despite the tragedy, he chose to stay with the team — fulfilling his father’s dream.
On January 19, 2021, at the Gabba, Siraj led India’s attack in only his third Test match. With 5 wickets in the second innings, he powered India to a historic series win in Australia.
That image of Siraj holding the ball, eyes filled with tears, was more than a cricketing moment — it was the triumph of spirit over sorrow.
“Siraj bowled with the heart of a lion,” said former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar.
The Rise: Consistency and Confidence
Post-Australia, Siraj never looked back. His ability to swing the ball both ways at high pace made him India’s go-to pacer in every format.
He delivered fiery performances in England, South Africa, and Bangladesh — conditions once considered difficult for Indian fast bowlers. Whether red-ball or white-ball, Siraj’s intensity remained unmatched.
In 2023, he became the World No. 1 ODI bowler in ICC rankings — a milestone few Indian pacers have achieved.
Bowling Style: The Perfect Blend of Skill and Emotion
Mohammed Siraj’s bowling is a mix of passion and precision. Here’s what makes him stand out:
1. Seam Control and Swing:
He generates late swing — a nightmare for batsmen — even on flat pitches.
2. Seam-Position Mastery:
Siraj’s seam position is almost textbook-perfect, allowing both conventional and reverse swing.
3. Aggression and Heart:
He celebrates wickets like victories in war — chest out, eyes blazing. His energy uplifts the entire team.
4. Adaptability:
From Test matches in seaming English conditions to IPL death overs, Siraj adjusts his pace, length, and tactics flawlessly.
Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun once said,
“Siraj’s mental toughness is his biggest weapon. He believes every wicket is his to take.
The Mental Strength Behind the Bowler
Siraj’s success isn’t only physical — it’s deeply mental. Coming from hardship taught him patience and emotional control. Losing his father made him emotionally resilient.
Even after facing racial abuse in Sydney during the 2021 Test, Siraj showed grace and composure — focusing only on his bowling. His response was simple: let the ball do the talking.
Career Highlights and Records
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 25+ | 100+ | 5/73 | Led India’s attack in Gabba win |
| ODIs | 50+ | 90+ | 6/21 | World No.1 ODI bowler (2023) |
| T20Is | 10+ | 12 | 3/16 | Debut vs New Zealand (2017) |
| IPL | 80+ | 90+ | 4/32 | RCB’s leading pacer since 2020 |
Family: The Heart Behind the Fighter
Siraj’s parents remain the foundation of his success. His late father, Ghouse, always encouraged him to play despite financial struggles. His mother, Shabana, continues to be his biggest cheerleader.
After his father’s death, Siraj dedicated every wicket and milestone to him. He often visits his home in Hyderabad to spend time with family and local children — a sign of his grounded nature
Siraj and His Bond with Virat Kohli
Few player relationships in Indian cricket are as special as that between Mohammed Siraj and Virat Kohli. Virat’s faith in Siraj, both at RCB and in Team India, helped shape his confidence.
When Siraj lost his father, Kohli stood by him like a brother. Their emotional hug after the Gabba win remains an unforgettable cricketing image.
“Virat bhaiya always told me — believe in yourself. That belief changed everything,” Siraj shared in an interview.
Read more: Jasprit Bumrah’s Highest Wicket Record
Off the Field: Humility and Humanity
Despite fame, Siraj has never forgotten his roots. He has donated money for underprivileged children in Hyderabad, supported young cricketers, and continues to live a simple life.
He often visits his local mosque and community grounds, inspiring kids who now see in him what once seemed impossible — a fast bowler from humble beginnings who conquered the world.
The Road Ahead
At just 31, Siraj’s career is far from over. With his pace, passion, and precision, he’s set to lead India’s bowling attack in the 2025 Champions Trophy and the next World Test Championship cycle.
His hunger for improvement remains fierce. In every training session, Siraj works on perfecting line, swing, and fitness — because for him, every match is an opportunity to honor his father’s dream.
sources
- ESPN Cricinfo – Mohammed Siraj Player Profile
🔗 https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/mohammed-siraj-940973
Provides full career stats, match records, and performance analysis across formats. - BCCI Official Player Page – Mohammed Siraj
🔗 https://www.bcci.tv/players/1641/mohammed-siraj
Official biography, milestones, and match data from India’s cricket board. - ICC Official Rankings – Mohammed Siraj
🔗 https://www.icc-cricket.com/rankings/mens/player-rankings
Includes details about his World No. 1 ODI bowler ranking in 2023. - The Hindu – “Mohammed Siraj: From Auto Driver’s Son to India’s Bowling Hero”
🔗 https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/ - Times of India – “Siraj’s Emotional Journey After Father’s Death”
🔗 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports
FAQs
Q1. Where was Mohammed Siraj born?
A1. Mohammed Siraj was born in Hyderabad, Telangana, on March 13, 1994.
Q2. What was Mohammed Siraj’s background before cricket?
A2. He came from a humble background — his father was an auto-rickshaw driver, and his mother worked as a housemaid.
Q3. Which IPL team does Mohammed Siraj play for?
A3. Siraj plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League.
Q4. What was Siraj’s breakthrough moment in international cricket?
A4. His heroics in the 2020-21 Australia Test series, especially his five-wicket haul at the Gabba, marked his true arrival.
Q5. What is Mohammed Siraj’s best ODI bowling figure?
A5. His best ODI figures are 6 wickets for 21 runs, achieved against Sri Lanka in 2023.
Q6. What makes Siraj’s bowling unique?
A6. His combination of swing, seam, and aggression — along with emotional intensity — makes him a rare and dangerous fast bowler.
Conclusion: The Spirit of Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj’s journey isn’t just a cricket story — it’s a human story of hope, heartbreak, and triumph. From the son of an auto driver to India’s frontline pacer, he symbolizes that dreams don’t depend on wealth but on willpower.
Every delivery he bowls is a reflection of his struggle, and every wicket is a tribute to his late father.
He’s not just a fast bowler — he’s a fighter, a dreamer, and a symbol of modern India’s spirit.
Mohammed Siraj’s story reminds us all: no matter where you come from, with hard work and heart — you can reach anywhere.
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