Hyderabad: Pretty unknown before the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy season, Hyderabad's Mohammed Siraj has become one of India's prime fast-bowler in the recent fast. Mohammed Siraj suffered a big blow when he lost his father while he was on the tour to Australia. But the speedster decided to stay back in Australia and performed really well. He was one of India's lethal weapons against Australia in the Test series win. 


Mohammed Siraj plays for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) side in the IPL and is considered to have gained Virat Kohli's trust due to his consistent performances. 


 



Image Credits: AFP


Mohammed Siraj claimed 13 wickets in the three-Test matches that he played down-under. "Virat bhaiya always says - 'tere paas ability hai kisi bhi wicket pe khelne ka, tukisi bhi batsman ko out kar sakta hai' (You have the ability to play on any wicket and get any batsman out)," said Mohammed Siraj in an interview to Times of India. He also said that after the recent match between RCB and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Virat Kohli said, "Miaan, Tumhare mein jo changes aaein hai... those are amazing." (Miaan, the changes that have occurred in you are amazing)"


Siraj also said that captain Kohli said Siraj to keep continuing the same form even in Test matches which will be helpful for the Indian team in the Test series against England. "I had lost my father during the Australia series. I was shattered and not really in my senses. It was Virat bhaiya who gave me strength and support. I owe my career to Virat bhaiya," said Siraj in the interview. Mohammed Siraj also said how Ravi Shastri encouraged him by calling him the "champion bowler" of the Indian team. 

 


Image: Getty Images


Siraj has 16 wickets in the 5 Test matches he has played for India and 45 wickets in 42 IPL matches.