Mohammed Siraj has emerged as one of the most dependable fast bowlers of India, thriving both at home and overseas. Known for his fiery spells and tireless energy, he has become an essential part of India’s bowling attack. But his rise to success was not smooth, it came with struggles, doubts and a fair share of criticism.
Mohammed Siraj recently opened up about the dark phase of his career when he faced brutal trolling during a dip in form. A few years ago, when things weren’t going his way, social media was quick to turn on him. Some online users made cruel remarks about his background, mocking the fact that his late father once drove an auto rickshaw. For Siraj, the insults were deeply personal and hurtful, especially because they targeted his family.
He recalled how the same people who praised him after a good performance would insult him after one poor game.
He said that when a cricketer performs, he is called the best but if he doesn’t performs in the next match, the same people who were calling him the best will tell him that he is not good enough and he should go and drive auto-rickshaw. The constant highs and lows of public opinion made him realise how fickle outside validation can be.
Mohammed Siraj said that the turning point came when he decided to stop seeking approval from others. He began focusing only on what his family and teammates thought of him. He said that he stopped caring for opinions as he saw people changing quickly, adding that learning to ignore negativity helped him stay mentally strong and grounded.
His resilience has since become one of his biggest strengths. Despite the pressure of expectations, Siraj has led India’s pace attack with maturity, especially during the absence of Jasprit Bumrah who has missed several matches due to workload management and injury concerns. Siraj’s performances during India’s drawn Test series against England abroad highlighted his ability to take responsibility in tough conditions.
He continued to impress in India’s recent home triumph over the West Indies, where his aggression and consistency stood out. With each series, Siraj has shown how far determination and hard work can take a player, no matter the criticism or background.
As India prepares for its challenging tour of Australia, Siraj’s story stands as a reminder that resilience and self-belief often matter more than public applause. For him, every delivery bowled is not just about wickets but also about proving that perseverance can silence even the harshest critics.
Keep up the good work, Mohammed Siraj!
