Mohammed Siraj: Biography
Full Name: Mohammed Siraj
Date of Birth: March 13, 1994
Place of Birth: Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Nickname: Siraj
Batting Style: Right-handed
Bowling Style: Right-arm fast
Role: Bowler
International Debut:
- ODI Debut: January 14, 2019, vs. Australia
- T20I Debut: November 4, 2017, vs. New Zealand
- Test Debut: December 26, 2020, vs. Australia
IPL Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Hyderabad (previous)
Mohammed Siraj, the fast bowler from Hyderabad, has evolved into one of India’s most dependable pacers in the past few years. Known for his searing pace, aggressive attitude, and remarkable consistency, Siraj’s rise through the ranks of Indian cricket has been nothing short of inspiring. From a modest background to becoming a pivotal part of India’s fast-bowling contingent, Siraj has established himself as a bowler who thrives under pressure and delivers crucial breakthroughs for his team.
Early Life and Background
Born on March 13, 1994, in the bustling city of Hyderabad, Mohammed Siraj came from a humble background. Raised in a working-class family, Siraj’s father, a poor auto-rickshaw driver, worked tirelessly to provide for his family. Siraj’s love for cricket began at a young age, and he was initially a tennis ball cricketer, playing gully (street) cricket with his friends. His raw talent and the desire to pursue cricket as a professional career were evident early on, but it was his relentless hard work and determination that propelled him toward success.
With the encouragement of his family, Siraj joined the Azad Cricket Club in Hyderabad, where he began playing competitive cricket. His early days as a bowler were filled with struggles, but his passion for the game and his commitment to improving his skills helped him rise above adversity. At first, Siraj was a medium-fast bowler, but as he gained more experience and honed his craft, he developed into a full-fledged fast bowler with a natural ability to swing the ball both ways.
His major breakthrough came when he was picked for the Hyderabad Under-19 team. His performances at the age-group level drew attention, and Siraj’s rise to prominence in Hyderabad cricket was swift. His fiery pace and ability to bowl on demand earned him a spot in the Ranji Trophy team for Telangana, and it was here that Siraj first made his mark as a professional cricketer.
Domestic Cricket Career
Siraj’s consistent performances in domestic cricket were crucial in his rise to the Indian national team. Playing for Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy, he made an immediate impact with his pace and aggression. In the 2016-17 season, Siraj emerged as one of the top wicket-takers for his state, claiming over 40 wickets in the competition. His impressive performances at the domestic level did not go unnoticed, and he was soon called up to represent India A, which was a stepping stone for his future international career.
His breakout season came during the 2017 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where Siraj’s aggressive fast bowling and knack for taking early wickets caught the attention of selectors and coaches alike. It wasn’t long before Siraj earned his maiden call-up to the Indian national team.
IPL Career
Siraj’s major opportunity to showcase his skills on a global stage came when he was selected by the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for the 2017 IPL season. Although he played only a limited role in his first season, Siraj made his mark with his pace and aggression. His ability to bowl at high speeds with swing made him a valuable asset for the team, particularly in the death overs.
His performances in the IPL quickly caught the attention of selectors, and in the 2018 IPL season, Siraj was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), one of the most prominent franchises in the league. His time at RCB saw him evolve as a bowler. Though initially inconsistent, Siraj’s improvement over the years, his ability to bowl yorkers, and his aggression made him a key bowler for RCB in the middle and death overs.
The IPL, with its fast-paced nature, provided Siraj with a platform to compete against some of the world’s best players, and he became increasingly valuable as a bowler who could deliver in pressure situations. His ability to bowl at a high pace and his improvements in his line and length earned him a spot in India’s national squad in all formats.
International Debut and Rise
T20I Debut:
Mohammed Siraj made his T20I debut on November 4, 2017, against New Zealand in a T20 series in Rajkot. Though his debut was quiet, it marked the beginning of his international career. Siraj was included in India’s T20 squad due to his pace and ability to bowl in difficult situations. His debut, though not a major highlight, was a sign of things to come.
ODI Debut:
Siraj’s breakthrough moment came in January 2019, when he was selected for India’s One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia. He made his ODI debut on January 14, 2019, in a match that marked the beginning of his ODI career. Siraj’s first match was special, as he bowled with pace and precision, picking up his maiden wicket in his debut match. He proved himself to be an effective bowler in limited-overs cricket and quickly became a dependable fast bowler in India’s rotation.
Test Debut:
Siraj’s dream came true on December 26, 2020, when he made his Test debut for India in the historic Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). His debut was nothing short of spectacular. Coming in as a replacement for the injured Ishant Sharma, Siraj’s performance was outstanding. In just his first match, he claimed 5 wickets in the second innings, helping India secure a famous victory. His performance in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy was memorable for his maturity and ability to bowl in challenging conditions.
Siraj’s 5-wicket haul in his debut Test series and his ability to bowl in tandem with the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Shami made him an integral part of India’s fast-bowling unit. His pace, consistency, and ability to break partnerships have made him one of India’s most important pacers in all formats.
Playing Style and Strengths
Mohammed Siraj is a right-arm fast bowler who bowls with excellent pace and carries the ability to swing the ball both ways. What stands out about Siraj is his aggressive mindset and his determination to bowl at high speeds. His pace often touches speeds in the mid-140s (km/h), and he has the ability to bowl consistently in the mid-to-high 140s.
In addition to his pace, Siraj has developed the ability to move the ball both ways, especially in the Test format. His reverse swing, especially in the latter stages of an innings, has made him a key bowler for India in all formats. Siraj’s aggression and fitness are often cited as key attributes of his bowling. He is particularly effective on fast, bouncy pitches, where his high pace allows him to generate significant bounce.
Siraj has also improved his ability to bowl in pressure situations, often stepping up when India needs breakthroughs. His consistency with the ball, ability to bowl yorkers in the death overs, and temperament have made him one of the most reliable bowlers in the Indian cricket team.
IPL and Future Prospects
In the IPL, Siraj has been a key figure for RCB and has provided crucial breakthroughs during important stages of matches. His ability to bowl with pace and aggression in the middle overs and death overs has helped his team win many games.
Siraj’s future in international cricket looks bright, as he continues to impress with his performances across formats. He is seen as an integral part of India’s fast-bowling attack, especially with the 2023 ICC World Cup and other upcoming series.
Personal Life
Off the field, Siraj is a grounded and humble individual. Coming from a modest background, he has always been appreciative of the struggles his family went through to support his cricketing journey. Siraj’s father, in particular, played a huge role in his early development. His family’s sacrifices, particularly his father’s work as an auto-rickshaw driver, kept Siraj motivated to pursue his dreams.
Conclusion
Mohammed Siraj’s journey from a young fast bowler in Hyderabad to an integral part of India’s national cricket team has been extraordinary. With his pace, aggression, and ability to swing the ball, Siraj has shown that he can perform under pressure and deliver when the team needs it the most. His growth as a cricketer has been remarkable, and he is now seen as a key player in India’s future, especially in all formats of the game. Siraj’s story is one of perseverance, hard work, and belief—an inspiration for aspiring cricketers everywhere.