India pacer Mohammed Siraj made a huge name for himself during the tour of Australia after he was one of the key players in the side who led the visitors to another Border-Gavaskar trophy win.
The right-arm fast bowler suffered a huge loss after his father passed away while he was in Australia. Siraj took a brave decision and decided to stay back with the team.
In a chat with timesofindia.com, the right-hander recalled how skipper Virat Kohli came to his room and supported him in the tough phase.
"He (Virat) has supported me through thick and thin. I still remember how I was crying in the hotel room. Virat bhaiya came into my room and hugged me tightly and said - 'I am with you, don't worry.' Those words encouraged me a lot,” the 27-year-old from Hyderabad further said.
Siraj further went on to say that he owes his career to Kohli who has been there for him in all the circumstances.
"I had lost my father during the Australia series. I was shattered and not really in my senses. It was Virat bhaiya who gave me strength and support. Mera career Virat bhaiya ke wajah se hai (I owe my career to Virat)," the right-arm pacer added.
The right-arm quick bowler will now fly with the Indian team to England for the WTC final against New Zealand in Southampton that would be followed by a five-match Test series against the English team.