After father’s death, Siraj vows to fulfil his dreams

Sydney, November 23

Indian pace bowler Mohammed Siraj has said that he would strive to fulfil the dreams of his late father by doing well for India. He also said that a conversation with his mother helped him decide to stay back in Australia.

Siraj’s father died on Friday, with the pacer in Australia along with his India teammates, in preparation for the upcoming series.

“He was my biggest supporter and it’s a big loss for me. He wished that I should play for India and bring glory to the nation. From here on my mindset is that I will fulfil his dreams. He may not be with me in person but he’ll always be there with me in spirit,” Siraj told BCCI’s official website.

“I liked how all the team members supported me in this time and didn’t let me feel the pinch of the loss. Virat bhai asked me to stay strong and fulfil the dream of my father. He told me that it was important for me to stay strong. His positive words made me feel better,” added Siraj.

It may be recalled that Virat Kohli himself, as a teenager, continued to play for his state team after his father died back in 2006.

“I spoke to my mother and she too urged me to stay back, perform well for India and realise my father’s dream,” Siraj said.

BCCI had given Siraj the option of flying back to India to be with his family. But the fast bowler had decided to stay with the Indian contingent and continue performing his national duties.

India head coach Ravi Shastri said that the team was rallying around Siraj and that he performed well in an intra-squad practice match. — TNS, agencies