Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj, who has emerged as a key player for Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Indian team, shared an interesting anecdote from his early days. As a net bowler, Siraj had caught the attention of KL Rahul, who was playing for RCB. However, during a net session, Rahul expressed his frustration at Siraj’s consistent use of bouncers, questioning if he had any other variations in his bowling repertoire. This incident highlights the initial impression Siraj made with his pace and ability to trouble batsmen with short deliveries.
“I had performed with the Under-23 team. I had played one match in the Ranji Trophy. I had taken a wicket but then I was dropped for the next two matches and I was out of the team. Next year it was RCB vs Sunrisers (Hyderabad), and I was a net bowler then. I bowled bouncer after bouncer to KL Rahul, and he got angry. He told me ‘khali bouncer hi aata hain tujhe’ (do you only know how to bowl bouncers). I said Bhaiya I know other stuff too,”
Siraj revealed.
Arun sir came and picked me and I was the highest wicket-taker that year: Siraj
Additionally, Mohammed Siraj credited former Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun for playing a pivotal role in his career. Arun’s support and advocacy led to Siraj securing a spot in the Hyderabad team for the Ranji Trophy. The decision proved fruitful as Siraj emerged as the leading wicket-taker, showcasing the significance of Arun’s belief in his abilities.
“Next year Arun sir became the coach of Hyderabad for the Ranji Trophy. The selectors were not selecting me for the Ranji Trophy. So Arun sir said, ‘I want this boy in the team. If you listen then only I will join the association, otherwise not. So Arun sir came and picked me and I was the highest wicket-taker that year,”
Siraj further revealed.
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