Bengaluru: Mohammed Siraj, India’s sensational fast bowler who played a pivotal role in India winning the test series against Australia in Australia, returned to his hometown, Hyderabad. 

But before he drove home, he first went to his father’s grave to pay his respects, who passed in November. 

 

Incidentally, at that point in time, Siraj was down under, performing national duty and continued to be there, in spite of the personal loss. 

Covid restrictions too had a great say in Siraj’s decision. 

What impressed many was how the cricketer stayed phlegmatic right throughout and carried himself in a dignified manner. He ended up amassing 13 wickets in the entire series. 

However, he could not control his emotions when the national anthem was sung in the beginning of a test match in Sydney. He later revealed he could not control his tears as memories of his father rushed back during the anthem. 

“It was a tough situation, dad’s demise. I got strength after talking to mom and my focus was to realize dad’s dream. I got mentally strong with their support. I felt that whatever was dad’s desire, I have to fulfil that. It got fulfilled,” Siraj said while remembering his late father, as reported by Swarajya. 

The entire Indian team exhibited a phenomenal performance, in the absence of stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Shami among others. 

In fact, in the last match at Gabba, it was Siraj who spearheaded the attack in spite of his being wet behind the ears. 

The hosts were made to eat the humble pie at the venue as it was a fortress not breached since 1988. 

The series was fought doggedly as the hosts posed a stiff challenge, not just with cricketing acumen, but also with mind games. 

However, the Indian players displayed calmness during the entire series and won not just the series, but hearts as well.