Mohammed Siraj was born on March 13, 1994, in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, into a modest Hyderabadi Muslim family. His father, Mirza Mohammed Ghaus, worked as an auto-rickshaw driver, while his mother, Shabana Begum, was a housewife. Growing up in a financially strained household, Siraj faced numerous challenges. His elder brother, Mohammed Ismail, an engineer, played a pivotal role in encouraging him to pursue cricket. Siraj’s early exposure to the sport came through street cricket, where he bowled with a tennis ball. It wasn’t until the age of 16 that he began taking cricket seriously, and at 19, he bowled with a leather ball for the first time, marking the start of an extraordinary journey.
Rise in Domestic Cricket
Siraj’s cricketing talent emerged when he joined the Charminar Cricket Club in Hyderabad. In his debut match for his uncle’s team, he took an impressive 9 wickets, showcasing his raw potential. His breakthrough came during the 2015-16 Ranji Trophy season, where he made his first-class debut for Hyderabad. However, it was the 2016-17 season that catapulted him into the spotlight. Siraj claimed 41 wickets in nine matches, finishing as Hyderabad’s leading wicket-taker and the third-highest in the tournament. This performance earned him a spot in the Rest of India squad and later with India A, setting the stage for his ascent to the national level.
Indian Premier League (IPL) Journey
Siraj’s domestic success caught the attention of IPL franchises. In 2017, Sunrisers Hyderabad signed him for INR 2.6 crore, a significant leap from his base price of INR 20 lakh. He picked up 10 wickets in six matches during his debut season. In 2018, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) acquired him, and he became a key part of their bowling attack. A historic moment came on October 21, 2020, when Siraj became the first IPL bowler to deliver back-to-back maiden overs in a single match. After years with RCB, he joined Gujarat Titans in the 2025 IPL Mega Auction for INR 12.25 crore, reflecting his growing stature.
International Career
Siraj’s international debut came in a T20I against New Zealand on November 4, 2017, where he dismissed Kane Williamson. His ODI debut followed on January 15, 2019, against Australia, and his Test debut on December 26, 2020, against the same opposition. Despite personal tragedy—losing his father during the 2020-21 Australia tour—Siraj stayed on, taking 13 wickets in the series, including a five-wicket haul at the Gabba, helping India secure a historic 2-1 victory. His standout performance came in the 2023 Asia Cup final, where he took 6/21 against Sri Lanka, earning Player of the Match honors and contributing to India’s title win. Siraj was also part of the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning squad.
Achievements and Legacy
Siraj’s accolades include becoming the world’s No. 1 ODI bowler in January 2023 and being named an honorary Deputy Superintendent of Police in Telangana in October 2024. From humble beginnings to international stardom, his journey embodies resilience, hard work, and an unwavering passion for cricket, inspiring countless aspiring cricketers. Stay informed with News Trendzs for the latest updates! Catch the latest sports news and cricket updates and in-depth analysis from around the world.
