Hailing from Hyderabad, the right-arm fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, who made his family proud when IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad picked him for a staggering INR 2.6 crore in the tenth edition of the Twenty20 league, has further set a goal to cement place in formidable Team India.
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Pleased with his recent performances, Siraj further revealed his family was taken by utter surprise when he shared an eagerly-awaited news with them, as he believes he knitted this dream at the tender age.
“When I told my parents, they were speechless. It’s a dream come true,” Siraj was quoted by PTI after he was named in the 16-men T20 squad against New Zealand.
The 23-year-old Siraj, who has worked hard to earn the reputation in the domestic set-up, is happy to look after the family as he already shifted to a new house recently.
Admitting the fact by saying he did not think of being picked too early as he has been primarily focusing on his fitness.
“I knew that sometime in future I will get a call-up but did not expect it this soon. I can’t tell you how happy I am,” Siraj added.
After earning the IPL contract, Siraj was taken by surprise following multi-crore deal. Photo Credit: PTI.
It’s pertinent to mention, Siraj will be featuring in the third round of the Ranji Trophy against Karnataka at Shimoga under the captaincy of Ambati Rayudu.
“I feel proud that at 23, I am good enough to shoulder the responsibility of my family,” Siraj remarked.
On the other side, the young gun has been decent with the ball for India A, before impressing the selectors to earn the maiden call-up for the national side, following his sheer hard work in a cricketing field.
The quick learner with the ball Siraj has further player 16 T20s and 13 List-A fixtures. Photo Credit: Web/Google.
The promising bowler Siraj, who would be facing a lot of challenges while featuring into the national fold, kept his father Mohammed Ghaus away from auto-rickshaw driving since grabbing the headlines in the national media.
“Usi din se maine father ko bola ki aap abhi rest kaaro (The day I got an IPL contract, I told my father to take rest),” Siraj pointed out.
While expressing satisfaction after giving hundred percent in his domestic games with the ball, Siraj also confirmed about his new house which he bought after fetching lucrative IPL contract.
“And yes, I have shifted with my family to a new house,” Siraj maintained.
Following the recognition in the professional T20 competition, Siraj reiterated Ranji had played an imperative role during his first-class career.
“Whatever I am today is primarily because of Ranji Trophy performance. My 40-odd wickets last season gave me the confidence,” Siraj concluded.
Siraj has thanked India bowling coach Bharath Arun, who was the part of IPL outfit Hyderabad while adding Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ashish Nehra’s tips have been of great help there on.
Following the encouragement from India A coach Rahul Dravid, Siraj is confident of coming good in the impending series which would further test the youngster.