• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Virat Kohli Has More Aggression Than Siraj Admits Learning To Fight From Rcb Mate

"Virat Kohli Has More Aggression Than...": Siraj Admits Learning To 'Fight' From India Great

Soumyajit Dutta

Virat Kohli with Mohammed Siraj [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]Virat Kohli with Mohammed Siraj [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

Mohammed Siraj, India’s frontline pacer, has opened up about his bond with Virat Kohli and how the former India captain shaped his on-field approach. After returning from a long and demanding England tour, where he was India’s standout bowler, Siraj spoke exclusively to RevSportz about Kohli’s influence on his career.

The 31-year-old speedster admitted that he picked up his fighting spirit and mindset directly from Virat Kohli. He added that the duo’s aggressive nature on the field became a shared trait over the years.

Siraj Shares Bond With Kohli That Helped Him Learn

Siraj first played alongside Kohli in the 2021 Australia series, and since then, the pair have featured in nearly 28 matches together. During his time with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Siraj also absorbed Kohli’s methods closely, as he admitted in the interview.

"I’ve learned this one particular thing from Virat Kohli, and that is his fighting approach in the game. Off the field, he would be talking very nicely, but on the ground, the opposition is the enemy for him. I like this thing about him. And my bowling comes from aggression. If I do not show that on ground, I won’t be able bowl well. I have been with Virat Kohli in RCB and have had a good bonding with him. Fast bowlers should have aggression on field, and Virat Kohli has more aggression on field than bowlers," Siraj told Revsportz.

Interestingly, Mohammed Siraj revealed another lesson from Kohli, how to engage with the crowd to build confidence while bowling. This was evident in the recent England series, where Siraj often clapped his hands to involve the fans before delivering his spells or while encouraging his teammates.

“In that last Test at The Oval, when Brook and Root were having a good partnership, we had a bit of a shoulder-dropping moment. But then, I encouraged everyone and we went ahead to get the upper hand in the form of the wicket of Root. I have also learned to take crowd support from Virat. Support of the crowd, for a bowler, can make a big difference and get the bowler flying with confidence," Siraj added.

Siraj’s fiery run in England proved decisive, as he finished as the highest wicket-taker of the series with 23 wickets in five matches, including two five-wicket hauls. His best bowling figures were 6/70 in an innings. For now, Siraj has been rested from India’s Asia Cup squad starting September 9, giving him a well-earned break after his exceptional performances in England.