Mohammed Siraj: A tale of grit and compassion

Emerging Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj’s phenomenal 6 wicket haul handed India a comfortable 10-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup finals. It earned him a stature of respect and admiration among his fans. However, he has had ups and downs in his career as well as in his life. 

He hails from a lower middle class family in Toli, Chowki. His father was an auto rickshaw driver and was a constant source of support for Mohammed Siraj. Siraj was however not able to attend his funeral owing to travel restrictions of covid-19 when India was on a tour down under. 

 “I went to training the next day after my father's demise and Ravi Shastri told me that I have my dad's blessing and I will take a five-wicket haul. When I took five wickets at Brisbane, he told me: 'Look, what did I tell you that you will take five wickets,” he recollected in the RCB Season 2 podcast. 

“I am aware of the hardships my dad faced, driving an auto rickshaw so that I could pursue my passion,” Siraj said at the time of his funeral. Siraj donated his earnings from his man of the match award in the final to the staff on the ground who left no stone unturned in ensuring the rain doesn't play spoilsport during the event.