Ever since he made his Test debut in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia last year, Mohammed Siraj has gone from strength to strength. Having lost his father after arriving in Australia, Siraj took a big decision to stay back with the team despite being given the option of returning home by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

As Indian players sustained many injuries on the tour, it allowed Siraj to make his debut. And there was no looking back from there onwards for Siraj – who was the most impressive Indian pacer on the tour.

Speaking to timesofindia.com, Siraj recalled how he was crying in his hotel room when Kohli walked in and gave him a pep talk.

“He (Virat) has supported me through thick and thin. He has always been there for me and in all circumstances. I still remember how I was crying in the hotel room. Virat bhaiya came into my room and hugged me tightly and said – ‘I am with you, don’t worry.’ Those words encouraged me a lot. He (Virat) played just one Test on the tour but his messages and calls motivated me. And that’s why I could perform. In fact, I didn’t have a good season with RCB in the past two years. But he (Virat) was always there to support me. He has backed me a lot,” the 27-year-old from Hyderabad further said.

Siraj played three Tests against Australia in that series and emerged as India’s highest wicket-taker with 13 wickets to his name. Siraj added that he owes his career to Kohli – who has been of huge support to him in his career.

“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. Mera career Virat bhaiya ke wajah se hai (I owe my career to Virat),” the right-arm pacer added.

Siraj also recalled how Team India head coach Ravi Shastri also motivated him at a time when he was left shattered after his father’s demise.

“Ravi sir always said ‘ tu champion bowler hai humari team ka‘ (You are a champion bowler of our team). And he used to give a hard pat on my back and shoulders. He pushed me to bowl in the nets in the practice sessions in those tough times. At this age, he is still so full of energy,” Siraj added.

Even in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, Siraj looked in fine rhythm and troubled the best batsmen with his swing. Siraj has also been named for the Indian Test squad for the World Championship Final to be played against New Zealand