Mohammed Siraj is playing his second Test match for Team India.
Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj got emotional before play when the Indian national anthem was played ahead of the third Test in Sydney. Siraj was seen wiping his eyes, showing he was feeling a surge in emotions during that period.
Siraj's desire to play for the Indian national side was evident from his emotions and that is well understood by the players who have been there and done that. He even stayed back in Australia to play for India, despite the passing of his father.
The Hyderabadi bowler then made his father proud by playing his first Test match at the MCG in Melbourne, picking 5 wickets in total and helping India equalize the series.
Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer, who has been active on social media lately, took note of it and quoted the legendary Indian captain MS Dhoni on the occasion.
AUS v IND 2020-21: WATCH - Mohammed Siraj gets emotional during national anthem at SCG
Wasim Jaffer posted the picture of an emotional Siraj and wrote, "Even if there's little or no crowd to cheer you on, no better motivation than playing for India. As a legend once said 'You don't play for the crowd, you play for the country'."
MS Dhoni had said these words after India's loss to South Africa in the successful ICC ODI World Cup 2011 campaign in India.
Even if there's little or no crowd to cheer you on, no better motivation than playing for India. As a legend once said "You don't play for the crowd, you play for the country." ???????? #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/qAwIyiUrSI
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 7, 2021
Mohammed Siraj will be an important player for Team India at the SCG as he forms a fast-bowling trio with two other pacers Jasprit Bumrah and debutant Navdeep Saini.