NEW DELHI: Celebrating his 30th birthday, Indian right-arm seamer Mohammed Siraj shared a poignant glimpse into his remarkable journey, revealing that he once contemplated quitting cricket back in 2019-20 before his international debut.
In a heartfelt video shared by the BCCI, Siraj took fans on a nostalgic tour of his hometown Hyderabad, reminiscing about the humble beginnings that shaped his cricketing career.
The speedster fondly recalled the Eidgah ground as a place of tranquility amidst his bustling life as a professional cricketer.
"In 2019-20, I had thought I am giving myself this last year and after that, I will leave the game for good. Whenever I go to Hyderabad, my first thought is that I will go home.
After home, I will go to Eidgah. Wherever in the world I go, I don't get so much peace anywhere, to be honest. Whenever I go there, I get so much peace," shared Siraj.
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Delving into his past struggles, the resilient cricketer disclosed his days working as a caterer to support his family, highlighting the sacrifices made by his father, who drove an autorickshaw to provide for the household.
Siraj candidly revealed the challenges he faced, including burning his hands while flipping roomali roti, yet persevering through adversity to pursue his passion for cricket.
"I used to go to do a catering job. My family members used to say that son, please study. I liked playing cricket very much because we used to live on rent also. My dad was the only earning member in the house. If I got a hundred or two hundred rupees, I was happy with it. I used to give 100 or 150 rupees at home and keep 50 for myself. My hands would burn as I had to flip roomali roti. But that's ok. I have reached here after having my fair share of struggles," recounted the determined pacer.
Siraj, who has emerged as a key figure in the Indian cricket team, reflected on his impressive international career, having represented India across all formats. With notable achievements in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, Siraj's unwavering dedication and perseverance serve as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers worldwide.
The Hyderabad-born cricketer is set to showcase his talent once again in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, donning the colors of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise.
(With inputs from ANI)
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