Mohammed Siraj, now one of India’s leading pacers, shared a personal revelation on his 30th birthday about a time when he nearly left cricket behind, and the struggle he had to face in his journey.
In a video by the BCCI, Siraj opened up about his journey and the decisive moment in 2019-20 when he gave himself a year to succeed in cricket or quit the sport for good.
“In 2020…19 I had thought I am giving myself this last year and after that I will leave the game for good,” said Siraj on his birthday on March 13.
Reflecting on his roots, Siraj took fans on a tour of his hometown, Hyderabad, highlighting the Eidgah ground, his sanctuary for peace. Despite his global travels, Siraj finds unparalleled solace in this familiar spot.
“As soon as I land in Hyderabad, my first thought is that I will go home. After home I will go to Eidgah. Wherever in the world I go. I don’t get so much peace anywhere, to be honest. Whenever I go there, I get so much peace,” added Siraj.
Coming from a modest background, Siraj’s early life was fraught with challenges. He supported his family by working in catering while his father drove an autorickshaw. Siraj reminisced about the physical toll of his job, notably burning his hands while making roomali roti, a skill that, despite the pain, contributed to his family’s income.
“I used to go to do a catering job. My family members used to say that son, please study. I liked playing cricket very much because we used to live on rent also. My dad was the only earning member in the house. If I got a hundred or two hundred rupees, I was happy with it. I used to give 100 or 150 rupees at home and keep 50 for myself.”
“My hands would burn as I had to flip roomali roti. But that’s ok. I have reached here after having my fair share of struggles,” he added.
Siraj also credited tennis ball cricket for boosting his pace, an element that became a cornerstone of his cricketing prowess.
His diligence and determination paid off as Siraj rapidly ascended to become a crucial player for India in Tests and ODIs, even achieving the distinction of being the No.1 ranked ODI bowler at one point. Following his participation in the England series, Siraj is now preparing for the IPL 2024 season with RCB, eager to continue his impact on the field.
Sauradeep Ash Mykhel
source: mykhel.com