Mohammed Siraj said his mother wanted him to stay in Australia and fulfill his father’s dreams of doing well for the country before the fast bowler decided against returning to India after his father died on Friday. Siraj’s father, Mohammed Ghaus passed away after suffering from a brief lung ailment.
Mohammed Siraj, who has been picked in the Test squad for the much-anticipated 4-match series against Australia, said his father’s dream was to see him perform well for India and that he is geared up to do well for the visitors.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had said in a statement that Siraj was offered the option of flying back but the 26-year-old pacer decided to stay with the Indian contingent in Sydney.
“My father was my biggest support, it’s a big loss for me. My father’s wish was to see me play for India. My mindset is to fulfill his dream. My father is not here in this world but he is with me all the time,” Siraj told BCCI in a video interview.
“My mom reminded me of my father’s dreams. She asked me to stay there and perform well for India and fulfill my father’s dream.”
Siraj had heard the news of his father’s demise on Friday after a practice session with Team India in Sydney. Mohammed Ghaus was an auto-rickshaw driver before his son’s career took flight. The young pacer has often spoken about the sacrifices his father made to help him realise his dream of playing for India. Siraj made his T20I debut as early as 2019 and his ODI debut in 2019.
My teammates have been very supportive: Siraj
Speaking about the support he has received from his teammates, Siraj said skipper Virat Kohli and the others have been encouraging him to stay strong. Siraj has been training with the rest of the side in Sydney as Team India gears up for the tour-opening ODI series. Siraj has been picked only for the Test series but the jumbo squad has been training in the lead up to the limited-overs series, starting November 27.
“My teammates have been very supportive, making sure I am not facing any problem here. Virat bhai encouraged me, told me not to take tension and stay strong and focus on fulfilling your dad’s dreams. He told me that staying strong in this situation will help not just me but my family as well,” Siraj said.
