Inspiring Life Of Mohammad Siraj, From Saving ₹40 for Petrol to Donating ₹4 Lakh Prize Money

On Sunday, 17th September 2023, Mohammad Siraj etched his name in the history of the Asia Cup. For all the right reasons? Indeed for all the right reasons. The man literally gave goosebumps to cricket fanatics by successfully claiming four wickets in the first over in the finale against Sri Lanka.

The tale just did not end at four wickets rather this Player of the Match clenched 2 more wickets, making a total of 6 wickets. He inspired many people that day, however, people rarely know about his life and its challenges.

Son of an autorickshaw driver, Siraj had a life full of struggles

Before making the entire nation proud Siraj had a life full of struggles. The 29-year-old Mohammad Siraj who hails from Hyderabad began his cricketing journey when he was in seventh standard. His mother always scolded him since he was not good at studies like his brother.

However, the heart of Siraj belonged to cricket and his father believed in him. The cricketer had a strong bond with his father, who worked as an autorickshaw driver in Hyderabad. In an interview, he fondly remembered how his father had been a constant source of support and had done a great deal for him.

In the interview Siraj said,

“My mother used to scold me by saying, ‘Your elder brother is an engineer. Till when will you continue your time pass?’ I used to bunk college and go to play cricket. However, my father used to save me at home. He has done a lot for me.

In the same interview, he said,

“After 2013, I played Ranji Trophy for Hyderabad till 2016. I played for my uncle’s club and got 9 wickets in the first game. I received ₹500 as price money and I gave 300 rupees at home.”

It was in the year 2015 that the right-arm fast bowler got the chance to bowl with an actual cricket ball. In 2017, he secured an IPL deal valued at ₹2.6 crores.

Siraj used to receive only ₹70 each day out of which ₹40 was spent on Petrol

Having grown up in a modest family, the cricketer faced financial challenges in his early years. During an interview, he disclosed that his father would provide him with ₹70 daily, out of which he used to spend about ₹40 for his bike’s petrol expenses.

He shared in the interview that,

“Others used to come in Mercedes and BMW for practice, while I used to wait for them to go so that I could push my Platina and get it started. They didn’t use to look at me and kept their distance.”

His father’s demise in 2020 was the most difficult time for Siraj

In November 2020, while the cricketer was in quarantine in Australia, he tragically lost his father. To say that it was the most difficult time for Siraj would be a sheer understatement. However, despite the heartbreaking loss, the cricketer chose to honor his father’s memory by carrying on with the match. He shared this heartfelt decision during an interview where he said,

“My dad wasn’t very well in 2020. When I would talk to him, he would end up crying, so I wouldn’t talk to him much. When I would call home, they would say that my father was sleeping, so I would let him rest. After that, my dad spoke to me and said it was nothing serious.”

He further added,

“My father said, ‘Son, just make the nation proud, I am with you. Don’t take tension, just make the country proud.’ When my dad passed away, I’d made up my mind to return to India that very day. But he told me to make India proud, which is why I stayed back, otherwise, I would have come back.”

In one match when the national anthem began, Siraj was seen weeping as he missed his father

It was a challenging period for him. In one memorable moment during a match, he was observed wiping away tears as the national anthem played. It would not be wrong to say at that point, that he missed his father, deeply.

He shared how,

“After my debut performance at the MCG, when I was singing the national anthem in Sydney, I just remembered how my dad said that I needed to make the nation proud. I wish he was alive, he would have been so proud. Whenever I had done well previously, and there was my photo in the newspaper, he would take cut-outs to keep as memory. That suddenly clicked in my head.”

Here have a look at it,

✊ #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/4NK95mVYLN

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 6, 2021

Siraj donating his prize money to field workers showcases how he stands out in the world of cricket

India successfully won the Asia Cup 2023 by bowling out Sri Lanka at a mere score of 50. All thanks to Siraj who successfully imbalanced the whole confidence of the opposite team via his magnificent bowling. It would be wrong to note that he became the Player of the Match and was awarded $5,000 for his outstanding performance.

He is a brilliant cricketer however what makes him stand out in the world of cricket is his humbleness. Why? Because of his compassionate act after the final, he generously donated the entire prize money to the ground staff. It truly touched the hearts of all in the best possible manner.

He said,

“The groundsmen will receive this cash prize. Without them, this tournament would not have been possible.”

Siraj is a gem person, he donated his man of the match money to the ground staff 🤌🔥 sirf match nahi dil bhi jeet liye #AsiaCup #INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/hJZi3MVJqO

— Aditi. (@Sassy_Soul_) September 17, 2023

Such an act of generosity is a testament to how inspiring he and his life is. The man who usually dons the RCB jersey got a chance to don the blue jersey and he proved how talented he is! His remarkable journey from the streets of Hyderabad to the glamour of the IPL and finally in the international stardom stands as a shining example, guiding the way for those who aspire to chase their dreams.

What are your thoughts on this inspiring journey full of struggles and finally the deserved success of Mohammad Siraj? Do share your thoughts via the comments below.