He also asked Mohammed Siraj to keep smiling and never lose his innocence.
India’s latest Test pace sensation Mohammed Siraj has been all over the social media and everyone, fans, former cricketers, cricket experts have been just praising the youngster not just for his performance but also for his determination and commitment towards his country.
Before the series against Australia started, Siraj had lost his father but the pacer decided to stay back with Team India to fulfill his father's dream of him playing Test cricket for his country.
The pacer started his Test career brilliantly on the Australian soil, but, the road was not easy at all, as he was the constant target of the hosts' crowds, but it couldn't deter his grit and performance and eventually, he contributed immensely in the Test series.
On Monday, January 18, Siraj took his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket to finish his maiden Test tour with 13 wickets from 3 games to play a key role in India’s 2-1 Test series win in Australia.
Praising the pacer, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif said Siraj has done everything in days that people take a lifetime to achieve while congratulating the cricketer for his five-wicket haul at the Gabba.
Kaif wrote on Twitter on Monday: “You fulfilled your Abba's dream, stood up for your team, guided a young pacer. People take a lifetime to do all this, you did it in days. Mohammed Siraj keep smiling, never lose your innocence. Brother congrats for the fifer.”
After the close of play on Day 4 of the Gabba Test, Siraj revealed that it has been very tough for him, but a phone call from his mother gave him the much-needed confidence to go out and express himself.
Siraj told ANI: “I am thankful that I was able to pick five wickets as it was a very tough situation for me after my dad passed away. But after talking to my mom at home, I gained some confidence. The call with my mom made me mentally strong. My focus was to fulfill my dad's wish.”
(With ANI Inputs)