Life in bio-bubble is difficult but it makes you strong mentally: Mohammed Siraj

Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj showed his class and calibre with the ball during the Australia tour where India clinched the four-match Test series riding on some brilliant performances from the youngsters. 

The right-arm pacer will now play for RCB in the IPL 2021 scheduled to begin on Friday when the Virat Kohl-led side lock horns with defending champions Mumbai Indians. 

In a video posted by the RCB, Siraj talks about how he gained confidence and the help he got from the senior players like captain Kohli. 

“I was a bit low in confidence last year after I had joined the team. But bowling with the new ball and on a single wicket helped me get my confidence back,” he said. 

“The team members especially Virat Kohli are very supportive,” he added. 

RCB restricted KKR for 82/8 in 20 overs in one of the matches in last year’s edition. Siraj returned with figures of 3/8 in 4 overs during the course. Mentioning about the same, the pacer said that his performance against the Kolkata-based franchise also helped him a lot. 

“The performance against KKR also helped me back myself and my abilities and I did gain a lot of confidence after that,” he said. 

Siraj had lost his father while he was in Australia with the Indian team. Talking about the tragedy, the right-hander explained how his mother and family members supported him in the tour times. 

“I had a chat with my mother. My mother said that it was my father’s dream that I play for India one day, so I should continue and stay with the team,” Siraj said. 

“I want to play for India in all the three formats and I will give my 100% in whatever the opportunities come,” he further said. 

The Indian bowling line up has become one of the most lethal attacks in world cricket. Mentioning about the senior lads like Jasprit Bumrah and Ishant Sharma, Siraj said that he does have some discussion about bowling with them. 

“Jassi Bhai (Bumrah) keeps talking to me when I’m bowling and suggests things which help me in performing in a better way,” he said. 

“I also shared the dressing room with Ishant bhai (Sharma) . It was a learning experience for me,” Siraj added. 

Siraj also discussed his future plans and wha all he aspires to achieve for the country during his career. “I want to become the highest wicket-taker for India,” Siraj said. 

Speaking about his relationship with India bowling coach Bharat Arun, Siraj said, "Arun sir treats me like a son. When I talk to him, it boosts my confidence. When he was in Hyderabad, he always told me to focus on line and length. I want to play all three formats for India. Whatever opportunities I get, I want to give my 100 per cent and grab them with both hands. There is a series against England after the IPL, I will give my best."

The COVID-19 outburst has forced the players to stay in bio-bubbles. The India and RCB quick bowler admitted that life in a bio-bubble is difficult. “Life in a bio-bubble is really difficult as you can’t roam around freely. But at the same time, it is also making you strong mentally,” he said.