Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj became the toast of the nation in the team's hard-earned 2-2 Test series draw against England by taking 23 wickets, including a terrific match-winning performance in the fifth & final Oval Test. The fast bowler received a hero's welcome in his hometown, Hyderabad. However, four years ago, things were very different at the opposite spectrum, as he had been subject to a severe amount of criticism and trolling.
Siraj revealed that it does not take enough time to go from hero to zero. The 31-year-old faced harsh treatment from Australian and Indian fans. Worse, he was also attacked racially by the former crowds Down Under during his debut Test series.
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"When you perform well, the entire world is on your side. Fans will say, 'Oh, there isn't a bowler like Siraj in the world!'. But if the very next game doesn't go well, people will say, 'Areh yeh kaisa bowler hai, kidhar se uthake le aayein hain, jaao auto chalao' ('What kind of bowler is this? Where have they picked him up from?' Go and drive an auto'). I mean, what is the point?" said Siraj, speaking on the Indian Express Idea Exchange.
"In one match, you were the hero, and the next match, you're zero? How can people change so fast?" said Siraj.
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"I realized I don't need any outside opinions. What matters to me is what my family thinks and what my teammates think of me," Siraj added.
Mohammed Siraj's terrific journey to become India's all-format bowler
Notably, Siraj's late father was an auto rickshaw driver who rose from modest and humble beginnings in the city of Hyderabad. However, with a dream and determination to succeed at the highest level, the pacer always gave his 200% playing domestic cricket. Soon, he was rewarded for his patience and perseverance as he was selected for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under in the 2020-21 series.
Soon, the pacer proved his worth in just his debut Test in Melbourne as he picked up five wickets and helped India win the Test. In the final Test at the Gabba, Siraj led the pace attack in the absence of leader Jasprit Bumrah and capped India's terrific come-from-behind series win.
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In the latest series against England, the pacer yet again took the onus on himself without Bumrah, and enabled a series draw. In the process, Siraj joined an elite list of Indian pacers to take 20 or more wickets in multiple Test series. The pacer is also a vital player in the white-ball formats for India.
