My parents never dreamt of sitting in the VIP lounge: Mohammad Siraj

Mohammad Siraj had a dream start to his IPL career this year. The Hyderabad pacer was one of the surprise picks after he was bought for an eye-catching amount at the IPL auctions this year. He was roped in by the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the auctions and the team made the most out of his talent. He was not drafted in the playing eleven straightaway. However, when he got his chances, he ensured that he left an imprint.

Siraj returned with 10 wicket to his name in the 6 matches that he played. He had the best figures of 4/32 in the tournament for which he received a Player of the Match award as well. Recently, Mohammad Siraj spoke at length about his maiden stint in the IPL in a conversation with Telangana Today. He recalled his maiden IPL wicket against the Delhi Daredevils and called it an amazing feeling. His family loved the moment too.

“It was a wonderful feeling to capture a wicket with my fifth delivery when I dismissed England opener, Sam Billings. My parents, who never dreamt of sitting in the VIP lounge, were thrilled. There was also a big roar in the stands. It was a dream come true. I had tears in my eyes,’’ quoted Mohammad Siraj.

Adding further on the same note, he said that the real challenge begins now. He needs to continue bowling good spells to remain in contention for bigger things on board. He wants his father to quit his auto driving job too. Siraj wants to get all the happiness for his family members.

“I can’t believe that I played in IPL. It is over now. But the real challenge lies now. I have to work hard to continue with this momentum. But my performance in IPL has really encouraged me to stay focused. I think we may shift to a bigger house. Of course, I have asked my father not to ride the auto. Both my parents deserve a lot of rest and enjoy my success,’’ said Siraj.

Recalling the big moment

The Hyderabadi pacer recalled the moment when he was bought by SRH at the auctions. He was thrilled to be in the company of some of the greats of the game. Mohammad Siraj humbly said that the players at the camp were very welcoming and the atmosphere was very friendly among all the players in the team.

“I was on cloud nine when I was bought by the Hyderabad team. I’m happy that I could give my best to the team. I have been rich in experience. It is a great feeling to sit in the dressing room among some great players. They made me very comfortable. I never felt I was a newcomer or a junior member of the team. Such was the bonhomie among the team members,” he said.

Word of praise for Bhuvi and Warner

Siraj had a special mention for his skipper David Warner. He cited that Warner never showed any frustration on the players. He was always welcome for the suggestions. Also, he praised his senior bowler in the team, Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Mohammad Siraj remarked that it was Bhuvi who taught him the intricacies of the game and the ability to bowl well in the death overs.

“He (David Warner) would always give good advice. He would not show any frustration. I liked the way he handled the team. He always had a smile on his face.I never expected to capture four wickets particularly after being hit for 22 runs in my first two overs. But thanks to my skipper (David) Warner and Bhuvi bhai (Bhuvaneshwar Kumar), I could keep my nerves. They told me to keep cool. It is where I learnt the intricacies of slower deliveries from Bhuvi bhai. It was one of the best things to happen to my career. I was successful and bagged four wickets,’’ quoted the SRH bowler.

Lastly, he rightly pointed out that the IPL has made him a bigger and a popular name. “I realized the power of IPL. I was asked for autographs at airport and other places,” he concluded.