Mohammed Siraj: Player Profile of India’s Hyderabad Fast Bowler

Mohammed Siraj is a right-arm fast bowler from Hyderabad whose rise from modest beginnings to the front line of India’s attack has been one of the notable stories of recent Indian cricket. He is known for his pace, his aggression and his ability to swing the ball with the new ball.

Early life and rise

Born in Hyderabad in 1994, Siraj grew up in a family of limited means. His father worked as an auto-rickshaw driver. He played tennis-ball cricket before being noticed in local leagues, and then rose through the Hyderabad system. He joined Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL and made his T20 International debut in November 2017 against New Zealand.

Playing style

Siraj bowls right-arm fast-medium, using a strong wrist position and a smooth action to deliver the ball with good pace and a consistent seam. He is known for movement with the new ball, and has an attacking mindset in which he looks to take wickets rather than simply restrict runs. He is also very competitive in the field.

Career highlights

He made his Test debut on Boxing Day 2020 in Melbourne during India’s tour of Australia. The tour was a difficult time for Siraj personally, as his father died while he was with the team, but he chose to stay on tour. He took five wickets in the Brisbane Test, which India won to take the series.

In the 2023 Asia Cup final in Colombo, Siraj took six wickets for 21 runs against Sri Lanka, including four in a single over, as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 50 and India won comfortably. He has since remained a central part of India’s pace attack in Tests and one-day cricket.

Franchise cricket

In the IPL he has played for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers, where he became a leading bowler, regularly taking the new ball.

Legacy

Siraj’s success is a story of resilience, and his intensity has become a hallmark of the current Indian bowling group. He has shown that Indian pace bowlers can lead attacks both at home and abroad.

Frequently asked questions

When did Mohammed Siraj make his Test debut?

He debuted on Boxing Day 2020 against Australia in Melbourne.

What did Siraj do in the 2023 Asia Cup final?

He took six wickets for 21 runs against Sri Lanka in Colombo, as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 50.

Which city is Mohammed Siraj from?

He was born in Hyderabad and played domestic cricket for Hyderabad.