Mohammed Siraj, the Indian seamer reveals that Virat Kohli played an important role in making his cricket career. The pacer was in scintillating form with the ball in the recently suspended IPL 2021 as he led the pace attack from the front for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Siraj made his Test debut in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 when India was struggling with the injuries other senior bowlers like Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. However, the in-experienced pacer proved his caliber with the ball and grabbed 13 wickets, most by the bowler in the prestigious series.
Mohammed Siraj Believes Virat Kohli Is Like His Big Brother
In an exclusive interview given to Times Of India, Mohammed Siraj said that Indian skipper Virat Kohli supported him all the way in his cricketing career. Siraj lost his dad few days after he landed in Australia. Instead of traveling back, Siraj decided to fulfill his dad’s dream. The Indian pacer added that time was quite difficult for me. Siraj shared an instance when he was crying in his room and Kohli came hugged him.
“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.’
Siraj asserted that although Virat Kohli left for India after 1st Test in Australia. But, Kohli stayed in his touch.
“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.”
“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.
