Dravid's words keep Siraj focused on the big goal

Mohammed Siraj’s journey this year has been nothing less than a fairytale.

The Hyderabad right-arm medium-pacer had the spotlight trained on him when Indian Premier League franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad acquired him for Rs 2.6 crore in the tenth edition.

“I believe in steady progress. Making it to the senior national team is my next goal,” Siraj had said after the IPL auctions. The 23-year-old on Monday had indeed lived up to his expectations.

When the national selectors announced the 16-member Indian squad for the three-match T20I series against New Zealand, the speedster had earned his maiden India call-up.

“It feels great. Back home the atmosphere is fantastic. I have been bowling well. Be it in the Ranji Trophy last year or in the IPL. Even in the India ‘A’ games, I produced some decent performances in unfamiliar conditions in South Africa,” said Siraj, who is here with the Hyderabad team for their Ranji Trophy Group ‘A’ match against Karnataka.

IPL has indeed made a huge difference in Siraj’s life. “My father is an auto driver and we lived in a rented house. But today, it feels nice to have my own house.” he said.

It is impressive consistency that has helped Siraj rise up the ranks. He was the third highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy last season with 41 scalps from nine games while he was among the wickets for India ‘A’ in the one-day matches against South Africa ‘A’ in Pretoria. In the IPL, Siraj bagged 10 wickets in six games with a 4/32 against Gujarat Lions being his best show.

“I want to dedicate this India call-up to my bowling coach Bharath Arun sir. He has always been a great support. I look up to Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) bhai and he is my idol. I have also learnt a lot from Mohammed Shami,” he said.

Siraj said that doing the basics right will help him remain at the top of his game. “My India ‘A’ coach Rahul Dravid had told me that I shouldn’t try anything unusual and just focus on my strengths. His advice worked well for me and even at the highest level, I just want to do those things that have worked for me,” he explained.

Though he has carved his reputation as a T20 bowler, Siraj aims to do well in all formats. “There is no one favourite format. Wearing India jersey was my dream and I want to play in all formats,” he said.