IPL 2021: Mohammed Siraj heaped praises on Captain Virat Kohli says, ‘Joy to be part of a team led by such an inspirational leader’ – Royal Challengers Bangalore’s lead pacer Mohammed Siraj has expressed that he feels the joy to be part of a team led by an inspirational leader like Virat Kohli.
“It is a team with complete balance in all departments. And, personally, for me it is a joy to be part of such a unit led by such an inspirational leader like Virat bhai,” Siraj told Sportstar.
A standing ovation as Mohammed Siraj picks up his maiden 5-wicket haul.#AUSvIND #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/e0IaVJ3uA8
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 18, 2021
ICC T20 World Cup
Siraj was not picked by the BCCI in the Indian cricket team for ICC T20 World Cup scheduled to take place in UAE and Oman later this year. India picked just three seamers. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Bhuwaneshwar Kumar are the only seamers picked with Hardik Pandya as the fourth seamer.
“Well, the selection is not in our hands. It was certainly a dream to play in the T20 World Cup. But, again, that is not the end of it all. I have many more goals – the biggest being to play a lead role in helping the team to win matches. I will take things as they come for I believe in destiny and be content in whatever opportunities I get even as the pursuit for excellence at the highest level continues,” he added.
India tour of England
Siraj was one of the lead pacers in India’s tour of England. He played a crucial role in Team India’s win at Lord’s. He has picked up 30 wickets in the nine Tests.
“The England tour was a great experience by any stretch of the imagination. I am glad that I could repose the faith of my captain Virat Bhai (Kohli), head coach Ravi Shastri, the support staff and the entire team. Definitely, bowling in tandem with big names like Shami Bhai, Ishant Bhai and Jasprit Bhai is a huge learning curve for me. They were so supportive and always came up with invaluable tips to keep improving my bowling,” he said.
“Obviously, playing at Lords’ and performing there is something which I cannot explain in words even now. As a child I came to know it as the Mecca of world cricket. And, it was an unforgettable experience to play there and help the team win the Test. To be honest, I didn’t think too much after missing a hat-trick twice in the Lord’s Test. I felt what God wanted for me happened. Yes, I was disappointed at missing a five-wicket haul at that historic venue,” Siraj added.
He battled personal tragedy, fought adversity and is now rewarded with India’s Test 🧢 no. 298. Congratulations Mohammed Siraj. Go seize the day! #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/D48TUJ4txp
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 25, 2020
The Oval Test
Team India’s bowlers produced a sensational effort on the final day of the fourth Test to end a 50-year wait for victory at the iconic Oval ground on Monday. Team India’s only previous win at the London venue of the first-ever Test played 141 years ago was in 1971 when they clinched a historic first series in England.
“Yes, I would say the five-over spell I bowled in The Oval Test before lunch on the final day even though I didn’t get any wicket was another immensely satisfying one for I was able to create pressure on the batsmen with my consistent line and length,” Siraj concluded.
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