India pacer Mohammed Siraj has admitted to imitating Cristiano Ronaldo’s characteristic celebration before of the 2024 T20 World Cup Super-Eight match against Afghanistan in Barbados on Thursday (June 20). The speedster claimed that he only celebrates like Ronaldo when he cleans up the batters and that he idolizes the football legend for his athleticism and never-say-die mentality.
In an ICC tape, Mohammed Siraj told colleague Kuldeep Yadav:
“I only do the Cristiano Ronaldo celebration when I clean bowl someone, then only I come up with that celebration, not for a catch or LBW.”
“I do the Cristiano Ronaldo celebration because I like and admire him because of his work ethic, the routine that he follows, and the way he performs consistently. He always has a never-give-up attitude, his fitness and recovery. I like that kind of attitude.”
Mohammed Siraj
The Hyderabad-born bowler also rated Ronaldo as the greatest of all time, ahead of Lionel Messi. He said:
“Obviously, Ronaldo is the best, GOAT all the time.”
Ronaldo boasts an incredible 895 goal record in professional football a pinnacle achievement celebrated worldwide. His illustrious career has seen him don the jerseys of powerhouse European clubs like Real Madrid Manchester United and Juventus. Currently the esteemed player graces the pitch for AlNassr in the Saudi Professional League. At 39 years old he continues to showcase his talents representing Portugal the reigning 2016 European champions in the ongoing 2024 European Championship hosted in Germany.
Messi with 837 professional football goals to his name stands as the worlds secondhighest scorer. He boasts a distinguished career with renowned clubs like Barcelona and Paris SaintGermain. Currently at 36 years old he graces Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami. The soccer legend clinched the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2021 Copa America titles with Argentina. Leading La Albiceleste at Copa America 2024 Messi commences his journey against Canada on June 20.
Irfan Pathan leaves out Mohammed Siraj for Kuldeep Yadav in his India playing XI vs Afghanistan
Irfan Pathan the exIndia cricketer has excluded Mohammed Siraj from his India playing XI to make room for Kuldeep Yadav in the 2024 T20 World Cup SuperEight match against Afghanistan on Thursday.
Kuldeep Yadav has yet to play a match in the ICC tournament, while Mohammed Siraj has two wickets in three group-stage matches. The bowler went wicketless in his last two matches against arch-rivals Pakistan and co-hosts the United States.