Mohammed Siraj has come a long way ever since his international debut in 2017. He has established himself as one of India’s top fast bowlers across formats.
However, there was a time when Siraj’s tendency of leaking runs while playing for RCB in the IPL could have seen him losing his place in the team if it wasn’t for the constant backing of then captain Virat Kohli.
Speaking on Cricbuzz Special show Rise of New India, veteran wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik opened up on Siraj’s admiration for ‘elder brother’ Kohli.
“Literally like an elder brother. I think he looks at him like a guiding light. In his tough times, Virat Kohli backed him and he really appreciates that," Karthik said.
He also highlighted the role of former India bowling coach Bharat Arun in Siraj’s development.
“Under Kohli’s captaincy is when he came back in the team so he really values Virat as a very important person in his life. I think there are two people he really values a lot - Bharat Arun and Kohli. Because in his formative years for Hyderabad, Bharat Arun was the coach and he really guided him during those moments to achieve greatness and the good things. Bharat Arun has played a big factor. And Virat Kohli as someone who has captained him when he performed so well and been an important force in his life," he added.
Karthik then revealed Siraj was on the verge of losing his spot in RCB’s playing XI but it was Kohli who persisted with him.
“He (Siraj) has gone on to do so well for RCB in 2020 post pandemic when he just came through. He was about to be dropped but Virat Kohli backed him and said ‘I want him in the Playing XI’. And he had something to do with me because I was part of the KKR team that had gotten all out for less than 100. He picked up three wickets and won the Player of the Match. From there, his T20 career simply took off. He did really well and it is great to see somebody come from those strata of society have so much confidence and do so well in life. He has a great success story that a lot of people can draw inspiration from," Karthik stated.
Mohammed Siraj has represented India in 17 Tests, 21 ODIs and 8 T20Is so far, claiming a total of 96 wickets across formats.
