Mohammed Siraj, who is touted as India’s next fast bowling superstar, proved his mettle in the longest format of the game in his very first Test series against Australia.
Siraj made his Test debut at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground and played a key role in India’s 2-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 triumph Down Under.
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The right-arm pacer took 13 wickets in the series at an average of 29.53, including a maiden five-wicket haul (5/73) to script the visitors’ three-wicket victory in the decider at the Gabba.
As Siraj is gearing up to tour England for the World Test Championship final and the five-Test series against the hosts, he expressed his keenness to continue the good show.
"Since I made my debut, I always gave my 100 percent for my team. All I win is a victory at the end of the day. The win gives me a special feeling. The Australia tour gave me a lot of confidence and I am going to carry that same confidence to England as well," Siraj told Timesofindia.com in an exclusive chat.
The 27-year-old also credited India skipper Virat Kohli for his progress in recent times. He also plays under Kohli’s captaincy in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
During the IPL 2021, which got suspended last week due to COVID-19 cases in the bio-bubble, Siraj performed brilliantly, taking 6 wickets from 7 games at an economy rate of 7.34.
"Virat bhaiya always says - 'tere paas ability hai, tu kar sakta hai, tere paas ability hai kisi bhi wicket pe khelne ka, tu kisi bhi batsman ko out kar sakta hai' (You have the ability, the ability play on any wicket and get rid of any batsman)," Siraj said.
"Recently, after our match vs CSK, Virat bhaiya came and said 'Miaan.. tumhare mein jo changes aaye hain.. those are amazing' (The changes you have brought about in your bowling are amazing). It will be benefitting our team. Be ready for the England tour. All the best. Keep up the good work. These words from one of the best captains in the world motivate me a lot," the young pacer further stated.
During the Australia tour, Siraj also lost his father. He had the option to return home to attend the last rites but he stayed with the team to fulfill his father's dream to represent India in Tests.
Recalling the tough phase, Siraj said Virat and head coach Ravi Shastri's support was crucial for him.
"I had lost my father during the Australia series. I was shattered and not really in my senses. It was Virat bhaiya who gave me strength and support. Mera career Virat bhaiya ke wajah se hai (I owe my career to Virat)," he said.
"He (Virat) has supported me through thick and thin. He has always been there for me and in all circumstances. I still remember how I was crying in the hotel room. Virat bhaiya came into my room and hugged me tightly and said - 'I am with you, don't worry.' Those words encouraged me a lot. He (Virat) played just one Test on the tour but his messages and calls motivated me. And that's why I could perform. In fact, I didn't have a good season with RCB in the past two years. But he (Virat) was always there to support me. He has backed me a lot," he added.
"Ravi sir always said ' tu champion bowler hai humari team ka' (You are a champion bowler of our team). And he used to give a hard pat on my back and shoulders. He pushed me to bowl in the nets in the practice sessions in those tough times. At this age, he is still so full of energy," he concluded.
(With TOI inputs)
