"Wish I had one last chance to meet you": Mohammed Siraj Dedicates POTM Award
Mohammed Siraj has been prolific in IPL 2023 (IPLT20.com)
Mohammed Siraj was declared ‘Player of the Match’ in Thursday’s Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 encounter between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS).
The right arm quick's stellar figures of 4/21 helped his team secure a 24-run victory over their opponents. The 29-year-old's four-wicket haul earned him both the Player of the Match award and the purple cap.
In the aftermath of his team's victory, Siraj dedicated his Player of the Match award to former Hyderabad cricketer Abdul Azeem, who had recently passed away. He took to Twitter and spoke highly of the late cricketer, who had been instrumental in his career, providing guidance and support to the young pacer. He also expressed regret on not being able to meet him one last time.
Azeem, who had been on dialysis for some time, was one of the finest openers in domestic cricket for Hyderabad. In his career, which spanned from 1980 to 1995, he amassed a tally of 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries in 73 first-class matches.
His contribution to the development of cricket in Hyderabad and his guidance of young cricketers, including Siraj, was widely recognized.
Speaking about his performance after the game, Siraj credited the lockdown period for helping him work on his game. The speedster revealed that he had been working hard on his fitness and bowling during the lockdown and had made significant improvements.
The Hyderabad based cricketer had struggled with inconsistency in the past but seems to have found his rhythm in the IPL 2023 season, taking his wicket tally to 12 in just six matches.
Siraj's performance in the IPL 2023 has been impressive, and he will look to maintain his form in the upcoming matches. The fast bowler's ability to take wickets consistently and bowl with pace and accuracy has made him a vital asset for RCB in the ongoing tournament.
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