Producer: Peuli Bakshi
Mohammed Siraj hails from a humble background in Hyderabad, India. His father was an auto-rickshaw driver, and the family faced financial challenges.
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Siraj did not like studying, unlike his brother, who excelled in academics. He frequently got scolded by his mother for the same.
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Siraj started playing tennis ball cricket in the narrow lanes of his neighborhood in Hyderabad before transitioning to hardball cricket.
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He was inspired to become a fast bowler after watching videos of the legendary Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan.
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Siraj's family could not afford sending him to a coaching academy. As per him, he is a self-taught bowler.
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Siraj took 9 wickets in a club match and as a reward his uncle gave him Rs 500. That was his first earning.
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His family made significant sacrifices to financially support his cricketing dreams, including selling their house.
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Siraj received his early cricketing education at the Charminar Cricket Club in Hyderabad by Karthik Udupa, during his first-class debut in 2015–16 Ranji Trophy tournament.
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While he was playing in the 2016-17 Ranji Cup, his father passed away. Despite the personal loss, he continued performing well for his team.
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