XtraTime Web Desk – Mohammed Siraj lost his father on Friday after suffering briefly from illness. After hearing the news, BCCI offered him to fly back home to stay with his family, but he chose to stay in Australia and continue to fulfill his national duty.
Speaking about his father to BCCI TV, Siraj said, “He was my biggest support. It was his wish to see me play for India and continue to make my country proud. Now, my mindset is to fulfill his dream. Now, I think that yes, my father is no more but he’s always with me”.
Mohammed Siraj came from a very humble background where he started playing cricket under very difficult circumstances. It was his father’s dream that kept Siraj going and right now he’s one of the lethal pace bowlers India has.
Speaking about his family away from home, Siraj said, “I felt good as all the team members supported me in this difficult time. They made sure I’m taken care of. Virat Bhai also encouraged me and said to stay strong and fulfill my father’s dream. He said if I stay strong it’ll be good for me and also for my family. I felt really positive after that”.
Speaking about his mom and his decision to stay back, Siraj said, “I had a talk with my mom and she asked me to stay back and fulfill my father’s dream. Keep on playing for team India. Perform well for India. Just keep making everyone proud”.