Racial abuse spurred Siraj to fight
Fast bowler visits dad’s grave to pay homage after landing in city
An emotional Mohammed Siraj drove straight from the airport to the graveyard and paid his last respects to his father Mohammed Ghouse, on his return to Hyderabad on Thursday from a successful tour of Australia with the national cricket team.
Ghouse, who had wanted to see his son play at the highest level for India, had died on November 20 last year, about a week after the fast bowler landed in Australia with the Indian team. Siraj was advised by family members to stay back with the team and play on, as his father would have wanted.
He did, and played a key role in India’s historic series win, taking 13 wickets — the most by an Indian bowler — in three Tests, including a fivewicket haul in the fourth and final game in Brisbane.
Siraj laid flowers at his father’s grave and offered prayers before heading for his home in Toli Chowki, after several months.
Later, speaking to reporters at his residence, the 26-year-old said he had pointed to the sky after taking 5 for 73 at the Gabba to honour his father.
“I wanted to dedicate my performance to my Dad. I miss him a lot... at times I almost reached out to my phone to call him but realised he is no more,” the Indian fast bowler recalled.
Siraj also recalled the support he received from his family members. “They have been of huge help. My friends too were there for me when I needed them,” he said.
Help was also readily available on the field. Senior pace partner Jasprit “Bumrah bhai supported me a lot and kept giving me constant tips with regard to bowling as well as mental framework during the series,” Siraj recalled.
“I wanted to dedicate my performance to my Dad. I miss him a lot... at times I almost reached out to my phone to call him but realised he is no more,” the 26-year-old Indian fast bowler said.