Watch: Siraj gifts Team India jersey to Telangana DGP CV Anand

India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has started a new chapter in his career by officially joining the Telangana Police as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). Siraj reported for duty on Monday, and pictures of him wearing the police uniform quickly went viral on social media. Fans praised the Indian pacer as he began his new role while continuing his cricket career.

Siraj later met Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) CV Anand in Hyderabad and presented him with a Team India jersey. The meeting was warmly received on social media, with many fans appreciating the gesture. On Tuesday, DGP CV Anand also spoke about Siraj's inspiring journey from playing cricket in Hyderabad to becoming one of India's leading fast bowlers.

Although Siraj was not part of India's squad for the recent T20I and ODI series against England, he has continued to impress with his performances. The right-arm pacer played a key role in helping Gujarat Titans reach the IPL 2026 final with his outstanding bowling. Now, Siraj is balancing both his responsibilities as an international cricketer and his new role as a DSP in the Telangana Police.

Watch the viral moment here:

Siraj's heartwarming gesture during his protocol visit to the New Telangana DGP

After officially joining the Telangana Police as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Mohammed Siraj met Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) CV Anand as part of a protocol visit. During the meeting, Siraj presented the DGP with his signed Team India jersey, making the occasion even more special. Photos of the meeting, with Siraj dressed in his police uniform, quickly went viral on social media.

Following the meeting, DGP CV Anand shared an emotional post on Instagram, recalling Siraj's inspiring journey. He wrote, "Mohammed Siraj met me as per protocol. I have seen him since he used to play tennis ball cricket. In 2013-14, former Hyderabad cricketer Abdul Azeem invited me to observe Siraj's talent. It is a matter of pride to see him at this stage today." His post highlighted how Siraj's dedication and hard work helped him rise from local cricket to representing India.

On Tuesday, CV Anand once again praised Siraj's remarkable journey from Hyderabad's cricket grounds to becoming one of India's leading fast bowlers. Fans also appreciated the touching exchange between the two, with many congratulating Siraj on both his achievements in international cricket and his new role as a DSP in the Telangana Police.

Rested for the England-Ireland Tour, Siraj focuses on workload management before his return

Mohammed Siraj was not included in India's ongoing tour of England and Ireland after the BCCI Medical Team and team management advised him to take a break. The decision was made as part of his workload management programme to help him recover and stay fit for the upcoming international assignments.

Since making his international debut in a T20I against New Zealand on November 4, 2017, Siraj has become one of India's most dependable fast bowlers across all formats. He has taken 233 international wickets, including 140 in Tests, 76 in ODIs, and 17 in T20Is. His career highlights include a sensational 6/21 in the 2023 Asia Cup final, where he became the first Indian to take four wickets in a single over in international cricket. He also played a key role in India's historic 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory in Australia.

Siraj currently represents Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League after previously playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad. He has picked up 128 wickets in 125 IPL matches and reached the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI bowling rankings in January 2023. After completing his rest period, Siraj is expected to return refreshed and continue leading India's pace attack in the upcoming tournaments.

From Tennis-ball cricket to Team India — DGP Anand recalls Siraj's journey

Telangana DGP CV Anand also reflected on Mohammed Siraj's inspiring rise from playing tennis-ball cricket in Hyderabad to becoming one of India's leading fast bowlers. He recalled that Siraj's talent was first noticed during his early days, after which he was quickly promoted to play in Hyderabad's two-day and three-day domestic leagues.

Sharing Siraj's journey, Anand wrote, "He was made to play the two-day leagues immediately, and then in 2015 he played three-day leagues. His speed and accuracy led to his Ranji Trophy debut. In the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy season, he took 41 wickets and never looked back. His rise to representing India across all formats of international cricket is a testament to how talent, discipline and hard work can overcome even the toughest obstacles. He is a precious star from Hyderabad."

Concluding his post, Anand wished Siraj continued success in international cricket and wrote, "I wished him success and many more memorable spells in India's colours."

Siraj officially assumed charge as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the Telangana Police on October 11, 2024, after being appointed by the state government following India's victory at the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.