Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj wrote a heartfelt note on social media for the outgoing Team India strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai. Siraj considers Desai as his guide, mentor and brother. Desai had joined the Indian team in 2021 and worked under head coaches Ravi Shastri, Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir.
"It’s never easy to say goodbye to someone who’s been more than just a coach, someone who’s been a guide, a mentor, a brother. This is not the end but see you later," Siraj wrote in an Instagram post.
Siraj hailed Desai for his dedication and pushing him to be a disciplined and mentally strong athlete.
"Your impact will stay with me forever. For me personally, you were never just a trainer. You were someone who believed in me, stood by me, and helped me not just as a cricketer but as a person. Your dedication to your craft was unmatched. Day in and day out, you pushed us to be better, stronger, and more disciplined not just physically but mentally too," Siraj wrote.
Siraj has had ups and downs in his career. He thanked Desai for the hard sessions and instilling a 'never give up' belief in the pacer.
"I wouldn’t be where I am today without your belief and relentless support. You helped me rise from tough times, never letting me give up. The sessions were hard, the grind was real, but you always made us feel like we were capable of more and you were right. You were like an elder brother on this journey, and your absence will be felt deeply in the dressing room, in the gym, and in every sprint we run.
"Thank you for everything, bhai. I’ll always be grateful. Wishing you all the success and happiness in whatever comes next, you deserve nothing less (folded hands emoji)," he further wrote.
Siraj's comeback after CT 2025 snub
Following the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 snub, Siraj did well for Gujarat Titans (GT), taking 16 wickets from 15 games. In the IPL 2025 eliminator, he induced an outside edge off Mumbai Indians (MI) opener Rohit Sharma's bat but wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis dropped a regulation catch. With GT knocked out of the tournament, Siraj will be next seen in action on England tour. The five-Test series against Ben Stokes-led England starts on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds.