Bhuvneshwar Kumar gave me invaluable tips: Mohammed Siraj

23-year old Mohammed Siraj is on cloud nine after finding his name in the Indian squad for the T20I series against New Zealand. The pacer is currently in Shivamogga, training with the Hyderabad team ahead of their Ranji Trophy clash against Karnataka. He will join the big names in the Indian dressing room after the completion of the ongoing ODI series against the Kiwis.

He told Sportstar that he didn’t actually expect the call. Siraj has so far taken 53 wickets from 14 First-class matches. He has maintained a healthy average of 22.30 and has also scalped 20 and 26 wickets in List A cicket and T20 format respectively.

Dream come true: Siraj

“It is a dream come true. Honestly, I was never expecting this call. I was always focussing on performing to the best of my ability every time I am given the chance,” Siraj said

The paceman believes that his manager Vinod Ingle is the lucky mascot for him.”When he was the manager of Hyderabad under-23 team, I was picked for the Ranji squad and now for the Indian team,” he added.

Siraj was impressive last year in the domestic circuit, he picked up wickets against strong opponents and presented his case. “Well, the Ranji Trophy performance last season (picking 41 wickets to be the lead wicket-taker for Hyderabad) was the turning point of my career. Then, the IPL performances when I was guided by so many greats including Laxman Sir (VVS Laxman). The Man of the Match performance against Gujarat Lions (4/32) in the IPL was a decisive moment of my career which gave me recognition,” he explained.

Different bowler after Ranji experience

The pacer also passed a token of thanks to Bharat Arun, who is a former Hyderabad coach and is currently working with Team India. “I am eternally grateful to Bharat Sir (former Hyderabad Ranji coach who is now with the Indian team). He was the one who gave me confidence and made me believe in myself. I must say after that Ranji season, I am a different bowler,” Siraj said.

He also mentioned that he had spent countless hours learning about the nuisance of bowling from his idol Bhuvneshwar Kumar and veteran pacer Ashish Nehra.  “Bhuvi bhai is another cricketer whom I adore and I owe a lot to him for being so friendly in giving me invaluable tips,” he said.