You have earned this: R Ashwin to debutant Mohammed Siraj
We all have witnessed barriers that often deteriorate our state of mind. It is up to an individual to determine how he/she is going to recognize them. Life is very similar to a narrative. We are all the authors of our story. We get to wake up in the morning to decide how the words will be inscribed in the book. With every chapter, there comes a fair share of understandings.
Mohammed Siraj, who has encountered several hardships in life, never self-sabotaged and was strong enough to stand tall against the adversaries. Not too long ago, tragedy struck the pacer as he lost his father due to a lung ailment in Hyderabad. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had offered Siraj the option of flying back to India. But, he decided to stay back in Australia to fulfil the dreams of his father.
“First of all, my biggest support system is gone. However, he (my dad) always wanted me to play for India, and make the country proud. My mindset from here is just to fulfill his dream. My father may not be in this world anymore, but for me, he is always with me,” Mohammed Siraj told bcci.tv.
Three weeks later, the Hyderabad-born pacer became the 298th player to make his debut for India in Test cricket. Moments before tea, he claimed his maiden Test scalp. Marcus Labuschagne fell prey to a bait perfectly set by the pacer.
A feeling Mohammed Siraj will cherish forever. A moment he will never forget!
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) December 26, 2020
Siraj's first-ever Test wicket ?#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/zBWHl2xe66
An ecstatic Siraj, after claiming the wicket, pointed towards the sky as he dedicated the wicket to his late father. He bowled his heart out at the big 'G', returning with figures of 40 for two in his 15-over spell.
Earlier in the morning, Ravichandran Ashwin presented the 26-year-old with his Test cap.
He battled personal tragedy, fought adversity and is now rewarded with India's Test ? no. 298. Congratulations Mohammed Siraj. Go seize the day! #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/D48TUJ4txp
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 25, 2020
The veteran spinner, who also gave a short pep talk, lauded Siraj for showing immense character and said that he earned this opportunity to don the whites for Team India. “Coming through First-Class grind and India A grind, you have earned this Test cap. You will rally around with the team throughout this Test match.” - Ashwin said.
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