India pacer Mohammed Siraj has become India’s leading pacer, especially in the Test format, due to fitness concerns of Jasprit Bumrah. He led the Indian pace attack well, taking 23 wickets against England in the recent Test series, playing all five Tests.

Recently, Mohammed Siraj revealed a blunt piece of advice from legendary MS Dhoni when he joined the Men in Blue side, about dealing with outside noise and criticism.

He had been warned by Dhoni not to be swayed by the opinions of others. Siraj claimed that the advice has stuck with him as he continues to face professional scrutiny.

“I remember when I joined the India team, MS Dhoni had told me, 'Kisi ki baaton mein nahin aana. Jab tu acha karega, toh poori duniya tumhare saath rahegi, aur jab kharaab karega, yahi duniya tujhe gaali degi.’ (Don’t pay attention to what others say. When you are performing well, the entire world will be with you, and when you aren’t, they will abuse you),” Siraj said on the Indian Express' Idea Exchange.

Siraj had faced extreme reactions from fans, who have praised him for winning matches, but have been brutal to him when he has a bad day.

“The trolling was bad. When you perform, the fans and the world will be with you and say, ‘there is no bowler like Siraj’. In the next game, if you don’t perform, they will say, ‘Arre, what sort of bowler is this. Go and ride the auto with your father. What’s the point of this? You are a hero in one match and zero in another," he stated.

“People change that quickly? I decided that I don’t need outside opinion and validation. What my teammates and family think of me is important, people who matter. I don’t care what others think," he added.

Mohammed Siraj, after being rested for the Asia Cup, continued his good form in the first Test against the West Indies in Ahmedabad. He picked 4/40 and 3/31 in the two innings against the Windies and has been named in India’s ODI squad for the Australia tour.