Following Mohammed Siraj's success, his brother has a change in profession

Mohammed Siraj, the 23-year-old Indian speedster has taken great strides ever since his foray into first-class cricket. He first came under the spotlight with his performances in the IPL for the Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise. And the blossoming career of the cricketer has not only caused his father Mohammed Ghaus to stop driving an auto rickshaw for a living in Hyderabad. The medium pacer’s brother Ismail too has made a change in his profession.

Ismail, who worked with an Information Technology firm in Bangalore, has now quit his job and is now Siraj’s manager. Ismail along with his three cousins – Mohammed Amjad, Sayyad Mujahid, and Sayyad Wasiullaha – was at the Wankhede Stadium yesterday to watch Siraj bowl in the third and final T20 international against Sri Lanka.

A proud moment

Speaking to Mid-Day, Ismail was quoted saying, “I felt very proud when someone at the ground said, ‘that’s Siraj’s elder brother.’ It’s altogether a different feeling which I am experiencing now. As a manager, I look after everything… his accounts, contracts and other needs. I am enjoying this new responsibility.”

He added, “We all came here to see Siraj and expected him to give a good performance. We came from Hyderabad to cheer him up. Everyone is feeling blessed and happy now in the family. The atmosphere is really positive and we all pray for his success.”

Siraj is not a finished product yet

Siraj claimed one wicket and gave away 45 runs in his four overs in the 3rd T20I against Sri Lanka. His international debut for India against the Kiwis last month also didn’t turn out the way he expected it to be. However, Siraj’s expensive returns show he is not a finished product yet.

Both the performances showed that he still has a lot to learn. More importantly, it showed that he is not a finished product yet and should be groomed properly before rushing him into international cricket.