Team India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, known for his pace and aggressive approach, revealed a valuable lesson he received from former captain MS Dhoni when he first joined the national team. Siraj said that Dhoni told him fans will support him when he performs well, but criticize him when he falters.
The right-arm fast bowler has been in exceptional form for India in Test cricket. Siraj recorded bowling figures of 4/40 and 3/31 in the two innings during the first Test against the West Indies in Ahmedabad. He has secured a spot in India’s ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against Australia.
Don’t Pay Attention to What Others Say – Mohammed Siraj
Speaking at the Indian Express’ Idea Exchange, Mohammed Siraj recalled advice that he had once received from MS Dhoni during his early days in the Indian team. Dhoni had urged him not to get carried away by outside opinions. Siraj said the guidance has stayed with him as he continues to deal with scrutiny in his career.
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“I remember when I joined the India team, MS Dhoni had told me, ‘Kisi ki baaton mein nahin aana. Jab tu acha karega, toh poori duniya tumhare saath rahegi, aur jab kharaab karega, yahi duniya tujhe gaali degi.’ (Don’t pay attention to what others say. When you are performing well, the entire world will be with you, and when you aren’t, they will abuse you),” the pacer said.
Go and Ride the Auto With Your Father – Mohammed Siraj on Criticism
Mohammed Siraj faced extreme reactions, with fans glorifying him as a match-winner when he bowls well, only to mock him after a poor outing. The fast bowler stated that ‘you are a hero in one match and a zero in another’.
“The trolling was bad. When you perform, the fans and the world will be with you and say ‘there is no bowler like Siraj’. In the next game, if you don’t perform, they will say, ‘Arre, what sort of bowler is this. Go and ride the auto with your father’, what’s the point of this? You are hero in one match and zero in another,” he smirked.
I Don’t Need Outside Opinion And Validation – Mohammed Siraj
Siraj revealed that the harsh criticism and praise from fans initially affected him, but he adopted the ‘don’t care’ mentality. He emphasized that the views of his family and teammates are what truly matter, and he no longer seeks approval from outsiders.
“People change that quickly? I decided that I don’t need outside opinion and validation. What my teammates and family think of me is important, people who matter. I don’t care what others think,” Siraj further stated.
Siraj impressed during India’s England tour and played a key role in the dominant win over the West Indies. He will also feature in the three-match series against Australia, starting on October 19.
India will be led by new captain Shubman Gill in the upcoming ODI series, taking over from Rohit Sharma. Siraj will be hoping to carry his current form into the Australia tour.
