Virat Kohli encouraged me to stay strong and focus on fulfilling my father’s dreams: Mohammed Siraj

In a chat during the Dream11 IPL 2020, Mohammed Siraj had revealed how he was going through a tough time due to his father’s lung ailment. A few weeks later as he was busy with preparations for the Australia series, the pacer lost his father back home. During such world-shattering times, Siraj’s mother showed exemplary strength by asking her son to stay back and fulfill his father’s dreams of doing well for the country.

"My father was my biggest support, it's a big loss for me. My father's wish was to see me play for India. My mindset is to fulfill his dream. My father is not here in this world but he is with me all the time," Siraj told BCCI in a video interview.

"My mom reminded me of my father's dreams. She asked me to stay there and perform well for India and fulfill my father's dream."

The pacer has found a shoulder to grieve in captain Virat Kohli. Siraj talked about how he found support from his teammates and the captain.

"My teammates have been very supportive, making sure I am not facing any problem here. Virat bhai encouraged me, told me not to take tension and stay strong and focus on fulfilling your dad's dreams. He told me that staying strong in this situation will help not just me but my family as well," Siraj said.

Earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had said in a statement that the pacer was offered the option of flying back but the 26-year-old pacer decided to stay with the Indian contingent in Sydney.

We at RCB family extend our condolences to Mohammed Siraj during the grieving times.