'My hands would get burned as I had to flip rumali roti' - Mohammed Siraj shares anecdote from Hyderabad hustle

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj has just concluded the toiling five-match Test series against England, having been a part of the XI in 4 of the 5 Tests. As the IPL 2024 looms, his services for the Royal Challengers Bangalore are keenly anticipated by the franchise. However, the speedster seems to have his time set for the family ahead of the gruelling two months of the T20 spectacle. Siraj spoke with BCCI TV and provided a tour of his locality in Hyderabad. 

Siraj, who is celebrating his 30th birthday today, was featured in a special episode in BCCI’s segment for players. The public is well-versed in the right-arm pacer's humble origins. The story of an autorickshaw driver’s son, donning an Indian team’s jersey is motivational in itself. However, Siraj revealed the unheard aspects of his struggling days, when he worked in the catering sector. 

“The moment I land in Hyderabad, my first thought is to head home and from there, head to Eidgah. No matter where I go, I do not find peace the way I get here. I’ve spent my childhood here, have grown up here and all my friends gather. There’s chit-chatting, laughter, some tea and some play time. In 2019-20, I thought of giving another year to myself. After that, I will leave the game for good,” Siraj said in a video uploaded by BCCI.

“I used to work in the catering sector. My family kept telling me to study. But I loved playing cricket. We stayed in a rented home then and dad was the only earning member in the family. I used to work. I did not know much but I used to get 100-200 rupees and I was happy about it. I used to give 100-150 rupees at home and kept 50 for myself. My hands would get burned as I had to flip rumali roti. But that’s okay. I’ve reached here after having my share of struggles. And the peace that I have today is the outcome of those hardships,” he added. 

Siraj swings his way through youngsters’ hearts

The Hyderabadi pacer currently tops the list of sought-after bowlers. His performance in the Asia Cup 2023 final in Sri Lanka sparked widespread enthusiasm among aspiring cricketers. One of his close friends reiterated the fact that many youngsters look up to him as an inspiration. Siraj’s journey from Tolichowki to the echelons of Indian cricket is a story worth giving your time to. 

“He’s the same for us. Despite becoming an Indian cricketer, he hasn’t changed at all and he treats us the same way,” his friend said in the video.

“We feel proud seeing him play for our country. Everyone here is so inspired by him. Har ek bacha bolta hai Mohammed Siraj banna hai (every kid here dreams to be like Mohammed Siraj),” said another friend.