With the Test series against Australia approaching fast, Mohammed Siraj got the news that his father had passed away. Like any son would be, he was devastated. His father had been his biggest backer as a cricketer and it was his dream to see Siraj play for India. While he had already made his debuts in ODIs and T20Is, the Test one still beckoned.??
He was in the squad for the Test series so Siraj made a decision to honour the memory of his father in the best way possible. Instead of going back, he opted to stay. He knew if he did go, he would not make it in time due to quarantine rules for the Tests. So he chose to stay on. It was the right choice.?
They say one man's misfortune is another man's opportunity. Mohammed Shami got injured in the first Test and was ruled out of the series. Siraj was picked to make his debut in the 2nd game.?
He did not back down and produced a decent performance as India came back from a humiliating loss in the opener to level the series. In the next game, he was the target of racist jibes but he never backed down, called them out and his efforts ensured the guilty party was ejected from the stands.?
Then came the biggest challenge. Jasprit Bumrah was out of the 4th Test due to injury and in only his 3rd game, the 26-year-old had to shoulder the bowling as the lead pacer. He rose to the occasion with 5 wickets in the second innings to balance the game out.?
Despite playing one game less, he is the 3rd highest wicket-taker in the series and highest among Indians with 13 scalps.?
?A journey has begun, a promise has been kept and a dream has been fulfilled. It was his father's dream and Siraj is honouring his memory like a true son would. If he stays focussed and dedicated in the years to come, the sky is the limit for this lad from Hyderabad. ????