Mohammed Siraj visits his father’s grave in Hyderabad

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj went to his father’s grave immediately after landing in Hyderabad after the tour down under. Siraj went straight to his father’s grave and paid his respects. The Hyderabad pacer was touring with the team when his father died in November 2020.

Siraj was given the option of returning home after his father’s death but the pacer chose to stay back for his national duty. He made his Test debut in the second Test in Melbourne on the eve of Boxing Day Test on 26th December, 2020 and finished the Border-Gavaskar series with 13 wickets – the most by any Indian bowler.

Mohammed Siraj paying his respect at his father’s grave in Hyderabad

“I went to father’s graveyard straight after landing in Hyderabad. I was very emotional,” Siraj told the media.

Later the 26 year old pacer was seen spending time with his niece in the balcony of his home as he was reunited with his family after a long break of five months.

Siraj’s father, Mohammed Ghouse, aspired to see Siraj represent the Indian cricket team and the pacer revealed on several occasions during the series that he stayed back in Australia to fulfil his father’s dream.

The day Mohammed Siraj told his father, 'You don't need to drive auto-rickshaw anymore' — Siraj with his dad Mohammed Ghouse.

Siraj got his maiden five wicket haul in the 2nd innings of all important Brisbane Test.

“I am thankful that I was able to pick five wickets as it was a very tough situation for me after my dad passed away. But after talking to my mom at home, I gained some confidence. The call with my mom made me mentally strong. My focus was to fulfill my dad’s wish,” said Siraj

Mohammed Siraj is selected for the home series against England