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Xtra Time Web Desk :

Mohammed Siraj the right handed India pacer first burst onto the scene in the series against Australia last year played in Australia. The Riyal challengers Bangalore pacer since then is living a fairytale life. He has gone from strength to strength and has successfully established himself as one of the important members of Indian Test team and he also spearheaded Indian pace attack in Australia in the absence of Shami,Ishant,Umesh Yadav and co. due to injury.

Siraj debuted for India in the second Test of the four-match series vs Australia. Injuries to India’s main pacers gave Siraj the chance to play three Test matches against Australia. He ended up as the highest wicket-taker for India with 13 wickets in that series. He then carried his form in the now-postponed 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Incidentally after he landed in Australia, he received the news of his father passing away. He made a tough decision of staying with the Indian team rather than coming back to India to be with his family. Siraj recalled hiw his captain Virat Kohli 'saved' his career. He says “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.”

Siraj further added “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)."