The Indian pacer, Mohammed Siraj, has slowly carved himself to be one of the main fast bowlers of the national side with his incredible hard work, as he contributed immensely to their recent Test series drawn result by a 2-2 margin against England in the United Kingdom (UK). In Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, he has also taken the responsibility of the side on several occasions.

Siraj revealed how the former World Cup-winning captain of India, MS Dhoni, helped him during his early days when he joined the national set-up. Dhoni’s words were vital for the Hyderabad bowler dealing with criticism. Both played against each other many times.

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“I remember when I joined the India team, MS Dhoni had told me, '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 trolling was bad. When you perform, the fans and the world will be with you and say ‘there is no bowler like Siraj'.” Siraj expressed during an interaction with the Indian Express.

Mohammed Siraj discloses MS Dhoni’s advice during his early days

Siraj, the 31-year-old, has collected 130 wickets in 78 Test innings at an average of under 30, while in 43 ODIs, he has picked up 71 scalps at an average of 24. In just 16 T20Is, the right-arm pacer has bagged 14 wickets at an economy rate of under eight.

“In the next game, if you don’t perform, they will say, 'go and ride the auto with your father' - what’s the point of this? You are a hero in one match and zero in another (smiles). 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 addressed.

In the recent Test match against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Mohammed Siraj picked up seven wickets across two innings. In the first innings, he ended up with figures of 4/40 while in the second, he bagged 3/31 as India earned an innings victory inside three days.