Mohammed Siraj Career

Sumit Gupta

image-lsyhe4ifMohammed Siraj at the 2023 Asia Cup(x.com)

Mohammed Siraj, born on March 13, 1994, is a prominent figure in Indian cricket, renowned for his prowess as a right-arm fast bowler. Currently representing the Indian national team, Siraj also showcases his skills in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Royal Challengers Bangalore and in domestic cricket for Hyderabad.

Siraj's journey in the IPL commenced in 2017 with the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Since then, he has established himself as one of India's premier pace bowlers, garnering recognition for his consistent performances and remarkable talent on the field.

Mohammed Siraj’s early career 

At the age of 16, Mohammed Siraj experienced a pivotal moment when he took nine wickets in a single inning for his uncle's club, earning him INR 500. Back then, this sum felt as significant as the 2.6 crores he later received in the 2017 IPL auction. 

From raw talent in Hyderabad zonal games to a Ranji Trophy selection, Siraj's perseverance against adversity transformed his life in ways he could never have imagined.

Siraj embarked on his first-class journey on November 15, 2015, during the 2015–16 Ranji Trophy tournament under the tutelage of coach Karthik Udupa, representing Hyderabad. His T20 debut followed on January 2, 2016, in the 2015–16 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. 

Notably, during the 2016–17 Ranji Trophy, he showcased his prowess by emerging as Hyderabad's highest wicket-taker, claiming 41 wickets at an impressive average of 18.92, a feat that stands as a testament to his bowling acumen and consistency, as evidenced by his remarkable Mohammed Siraj stats.

February 2018 witnessed Siraj's stellar performance in the 2017–18 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he led the charts with 23 dismissals in seven matches. The recognition continued in October 2018 when he earned a spot in India A's squad for the 2018–19 Deodhar Trophy. 

Further solidifying his presence, he found a place in India B's squad for the 2019–20 Deodhar Trophy in October 2019.


Mohammed Siraj's Test career

Mohammad Siraj made his Test debut (cap 298) on December 26, 2020, against Australia in Melbourne. Mohammed Siraj ended his debut Test series with 13 wickets in three games, at an average of 29.53, and a five-fer at the Gabba in Brisbane. His first five-wicket haul includes wickets of Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, and Matthew Wade. 

India clinched the 4-match Test series 2-1, with Mohammed Siraj playing a pivotal role in the historic triumph. His outstanding contribution not only influenced the overall series victory but also stood out as a crucial factor in the famous Gabba win.

  • He achieved his inaugural 5-wicket haul against Australia at Brisbane's Gabba on January 15, 2021.
  • His most notable bowling achievement occurred on August 12, 2021, at Lord's against England, where he secured 8 wickets in the match.
  • Mohammed Siraj holds the 44th position for the highest economy rate (6.53) in a single Test innings.

Mohammed Siraj's ODI career

image-lsyijs2xMohammed Siraj in ODI World Cup 2023 [x.com]

Mohammad Siraj made his ODI debut (cap 225) wearing shirt number 73 on January 15, 2019, against Australia in Adelaide. 

  • Mohammad Siraj delivered his standout bowling performance in the Asia Cup final on September 17, 2023, facing Sri Lanka, taking 6/21, making him the first Indian cricketer to clinch 4 wickets in a single over.
  • On January 21, 2023, Siraj achieved the top spot in the ICC ODI Rankings for Bowlers, securing the No. 1 position.
  • Siraj holds the 32nd position for most wickets in an inning with a notable best figure of 6/21 and is ranked 47th for most wickets in a calendar year, achieving an impressive tally of 44 wickets.
  • Siraj holds the 32nd position for the best career bowling average in ODIs, boasting an impressive figure of 22.79. Additionally, he is ranked 10th in the list for the best career strike rate at 26.8 and holds the 49th spot for the best strike rate in an innings, recording an outstanding 7.0.
  • Siraj holds the 18th position in the list for achieving the most consecutive four-wicket hauls in an ODI innings, with a total of two instances.
  • Siraj is positioned 38th in the list of the fastest bowlers to reach 50 wickets, achieving this milestone in 29 innings.

Mohammed Siraj's T20I career

In October 2017, he secured a spot in India's Twenty20 International (T20I) squad for the New Zealand series. His T20I debut on November 4, 2017, against New Zealand showcased his prowess, claiming the wicket of Kane Williamson and concluding with figures of 1 wicket for 53 runs in four overs. 

The momentum continued in February 2018 when he was included in India's T20I squad for the 2018 Nidahas Trophy. While named in the Test squad against the West Indies in September 2018, he didn't feature in the matches. 

  • Siraj delivered his best T20I performance against New Zealand on November 22, 2022, by claiming four wickets in Napier.
  • Siraj holds the 36th position for the most consecutive matches missed for a team between appearances, with a gap of 52 matches.

Dominance in the 2023 Asia Cup Final

In the Asia Cup 2023 final on September 17, 2023, Mohammed Siraj equaled Chaminda Vaas's record, becoming the joint-fastest bowler to secure a 6-wicket haul in ODIs. Siraj's exceptional performance yielded a career-best figure of 6/21, making him the first Indian cricketer to clinch 4 wickets in a single over.

Mohammed Siraj's IPL Career

image-lsyie49rMohammed Siraj, a vital asset for RCB [x.com]

Mohammed Siraj, a vital asset for the Bangalore franchise in the Indian Premier League, made his debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2017. With 78 wickets in 79 matches at an average of 29.83, his consistent impact led to Bangalore securing his services for Rs 7.00 Cr in the IPL 2023 Auction.

Throughout his IPL career, Siraj has consistently demonstrated his bowling prowess, earning acclaim for his impactful performances. With a remarkable best individual figure of 4/21, he has proven to be a formidable force on the field. 

Mohammed Siraj Career: Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1. What is Mohammed Siraj's family history?

Answer. Born into a modest background, Mohammed Siraj's father drives an auto-rickshaw, while his mother manages the household. Despite financial challenges, they steadfastly support his cricket journey.

Q 2. What problems did Mohammed Siraj face on his path to becoming a prominent cricket player?

Answer. Mohammed Siraj's ascent in cricket faced hurdles due to his modest background and financial limitations. Overcoming fierce competition in Indian cricket, he showcased resilience, talent, and consistent domestic performances, ultimately emerging as a key player for the national team despite emotional challenges and high expectations.

Q 3. What was Siraj's notable achievement in the 2023 Asia Cup final?

Answer. In the 2023 Asia Cup final, Siraj took 6/21, becoming the first Indian cricketer to secure 4 wickets in a single over.

Q 4. When did Siraj achieve the top spot in the ICC ODI Rankings for Bowlers?

Answer. Mohammed Siraj achieved the top spot in the ICC ODI Rankings for Bowlers on January 21, 2023.

Q 5. What emotional moment marked Mohammed Siraj's Test debut, and why did it hold significance?

Answer. Mohammed Siraj's emotional moment on his Test debut was shedding tears during the national anthem, as he played despite missing his father's funeral, honoring his father's love for Test cricket and his dream to see his son represent India.

s