Mohammed Siraj, an Indian pacer, has worked really hard to get to where he is now. While he has gained recognition and glory for India, the bowler has not forgotten his modest upbringing and roots.
Siraj’s journey wasn’t easy. In a BCCI video for his 30th birthday, the fast bowler remembered tough times. His family faced financial struggles. To help out, Mohammed Siraj worked a catering job. He juggled cricket and earning money. Despite challenges, he persevered. His determination paid off. Now, he’s a star cricketer. But he hasn’t forgotten his roots.
This is what Mohammed Siraj said:
“When I was about 18 years of age, I used to go for the catering job. Family used to urge me to focus on my studies but I always wanted to play cricket. We used to live on rent and dad was the lone earner in the family. So I used to work even though I didn’t know much about it.”
Mohammed Siraj
He added:
“I used to get 100-200 rupees out of which 150 I would give at home and keep 50 for personal expenses. Those times..(gets emotional) you touched a sensitive topic (smiles). My hands used to burn when I used to try and turn the roomali rotis. I have had my share of struggles and that’s why I am here.”
Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj was obviously upset as he remembered his late father, who used to drive an autorickshaw and raise funds to enable his son pursue his ambition of being a professional cricketer. Siraj lost his father while on national service for the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Mohammed Siraj was close to quitting cricket in 2019-20
Mohammed Siraj had almost quit cricket during 2019-20. The bowler persevered, though. Circumstances aligned for him subsequently. He hasn’t faltered since then.
On this, he said:
“I had told myself in 2019/20 that this is the last year I would give myself and I would leave cricket (if nothing materializes). If I had not struggled, I wouldn’t have understood the value of it. No one knows this news.”
Mohammed Siraj
In the video, Siraj also showed viewers the Eidgah grounds in Hyderabad, where he grew up playing tennis ball cricket. He added:
“Whenever I land in Hyderabad, my first thought is that I would go home and then head to Eidgah (ground). The peace that I get when I go there is something I don’t get anywhere in the world. It’s just incomparable. I have spent my childhood there, played there with my childhood friends. We get together there, drink tea and share a few laughs.”
Mohammed Siraj
The video concluded with several of Mohammed Siraj’s pals discussing how thrilled they were seeing the bowler get accolades while wearing an Indian cricket team shirt. They were pleasantly surprised by Siraj’s humility in the face of his success.