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India pacer Mohammed Siraj is one of the most improved bowlers in recent years. From taking a beating in white-ball cricket to taking a six-fer in Asia Cup 2023 final and becoming India's highest wicket-taker on England tour in 2025, Siraj has come a long way. However, he has not been a stranger to social media trolls. From humble beginnings, Siraj has risen among the ranks. Ahead of the second Test against West Indies in Delhi, the pacer recalled the golden advice from legendary captain MS Dhoni
“I remember when I joined the India team, MS Dhoni had told me, ‘Kisi ki baaton mein nahin aana. Jab tu acha karega, toh poori duniya tumhare saath rahegi, aur jab kharaab karega, yahi duniya tujhe gaali degi.’ (Don’t pay attention to what others say. When you are performing well, the entire world will be with you, and when you aren’t, they will abuse you),” Siraj told Indian Express.
Siraj’s father used to drive an auto for a living. Ahead of his Test debut in Australia, his father passed away. An emotional Siraj not only made his Test debut on Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 but led a depleted pace attack as well. But the trolls have been shameless whenever Siraj has had a bad day at the office. Now, he tries to stay the same through good and bad days as he knows that the memory of these trolls is fickle-minded.
“Yes, the trolling was bad. When you perform, the fans and the world will be with you and say ‘there is no bowler like Siraj’. In the next game, if you don’t perform, they will say, ‘Arre, what sort of bowler is this. Jaake apne baap ke saath auto chalao’ (go and ride the auto with your father) — what’s the point of this? You are hero in one match and zero in another (smiles). People change that quickly? I decided that I don’t need outside opinion and validation. What my teammates and family think of me is important, people who matter. I don’t care what others think,” Siraj added.
Siraj’s chance for payback in Australia
On the basis of his recent performances, Siraj has made a comeback to the ODI squad. He will use his experience on Australian soil in the three-ODI series beginning on October 19 in the absence of a rested Jasprit Bumrah. Before boarding the flight to Australia, he will look to be clinical against Roston Chase’s West Indies in the second Test of the series commencing on October 10 at Arun Jaitley Stadium.
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