Introduction
Mohammed Siraj’s ascent from the narrow lanes of Hyderabad to the grand stadiums of international cricket epitomizes determination and resilience. Born into modest beginnings, Siraj’s journey is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering passion for the sport. Today, he stands as one of India’s premier fast bowlers, known for his fiery pace and ability to swing the ball both ways
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Born on March 13, 1994, in Hyderabad, Telangana, Mohammed Siraj hailed from a financially constrained family. His father, Mirza Mohammed Ghaus, was an auto-rickshaw driver, and his mother, Shabana Begum, a homemaker . Despite the economic hardships, Siraj’s passion for cricket was evident from a young age. He began playing with a tennis ball in the bylanes of Hyderabad, often bunking classes to indulge in his favorite sport
At 16, he started bowling with a tennis ball, and by 19, he was playing club cricket. His raw talent was undeniable, and in his debut match for his uncle’s team in the Hyderabad Cricket Association, he took nine wickets . This performance marked the beginning of his professional cricketing journey.
Rise Through Domestic Cricket
Siraj’s breakthrough came during the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy season, where he emerged as Hyderabad’s highest wicket-taker, claiming 41 wickets in nine matches . His impressive performances caught the attention of selectors, leading to his inclusion in the India A team. In the 2017-18 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he continued his stellar form, picking up 23 wickets in seven games, further solidifying his reputation as a promising fast bowler
International Debut and Achievements
Siraj made his T20 International debut for India against New Zealand on November 4, 2017, taking the wicket of Kane Williamson . He debuted in One Day Internationals (ODIs) against Australia on January 15, 2019. However, his most notable performance came during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. With senior bowlers injured, Siraj stepped up, leading the Indian bowling attack and taking his maiden five-wicket haul in the fourth Test at Brisbane
In January 2023, he achieved the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI rankings for bowlers . Later that year, in the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka, Siraj delivered a career-best performance, taking six wickets for 21 runs, including four wickets in a single over, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat
IPL Journey
Siraj’s Indian Premier League (IPL) journey began in 2017 with Sunrisers Hyderabad. In 2018, he moved to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), where he became a mainstay in their bowling lineup. His best season came in 2023, taking 19 wickets in 14 matches, establishing himself as RCB’s go-to bowler in the powerplay
In the 2025 IPL season, after being released by RCB, Siraj joined Gujarat Titans. Despite initial setbacks, he made a remarkable comeback, taking nine wickets in four matches, including a match-winning 4-17 against Sunrisers Hyderabad . His performances were instrumental in Gujarat Titans’ success, and his energy and determination on the field were lauded by teammates and opponents alike.
Playing Style and Strengths
Mohammed Siraj is known for his ability to swing the ball at high speeds, making him a formidable opponent for any batsman. His seam movement, especially with the new ball, often results in early breakthroughs for his team. Siraj’s aggression, combined with his disciplined line and length, makes him a consistent wicket-taker across formats. His resilience and ability to perform under pressure have been key to his success on the international stage
Personal Life and Character
Despite his rapid rise in cricket, Siraj remains grounded, often attributing his success to his family’s support. He has been open about the challenges he faced, including the loss of his father during India’s tour of Australia in 2020. Choosing to stay with the team during this difficult time showcased his dedication and commitment to the sport. Siraj’s humility, combined with his fierce competitiveness on the field, has made him a beloved figure among fans and teammates.
Conclusion
Mohammed Siraj’s journey from the streets of Hyderabad to international cricketing arenas is a story of grit, determination, and unwavering passion. His rise serves as an inspiration to countless aspiring cricketers, proving that with hard work and perseverance, dreams can indeed become reality. As he continues to evolve and achieve greater heights, Siraj remains a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of resilience.
