NEWS
Follow UsIndia fast bowler Mohammed Siraj’s father Mohammed Ghouse has passed away in due to a lung ailment in Hyderabad on Friday (November 20). The pacer, who is training in Sydney with the national team is believed to have heard the news after the practice session.
With the quarantine rules in place, Siraj, who is currently in Sydney will not be able to fly down to India to attend his father’s last rites.
“My dad's wish was always this - mera beta, desh ka naam roshan karna (my son, you should make my country proud). And, I will do that for sure,” the fast bowler said, according to SportStar.
“I know what kind of hardship my dad faced in my early days driving an auto rickshaw to let me pursue my passion for the game,” said Siraj, who has played an ODI and three T20Is said.
Siraj, who recently turned up for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, initially started off with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who acquired his services for INR 2.6 crore. After he finished the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy season with 41 wickets.
“It is shocking. I lost the biggest support of my life. It was his dream to see me play for the country and I am glad that way I could realise that and bring joy for him,” a distraught Siraj informed.
“The coach Shastri Sir and captain Virat Kohli were informed about the news. They just told me to be bold and are lending all the support,” Siraj said.
Although Siraj has played limited-overs cricket for India, this is the first time he has been included in the Test match squad for the series against Australia Down Under. Siraj finished as RCB’s joint second highest wicket-taker in IPL 2020, finishing with 11 wickets at an economy rate of 8.68.