Cricket isn’t just about raw pace—it’s about heart, precision, and stepping up when the stakes are high. Mohammed Siraj brings all of that and more. With relentless energy, deadly swing, and a knack for breaking partnerships, he’s become a genuine headache for batters across the world.
But his journey? Far from easy. Siraj had no shortcuts, no privileges—just a dream and an unstoppable drive. From grinding it out on the streets of Hyderabad to rattling the best in Test cricket, every step has been about proving he belongs. His heroics in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy showed exactly what he’s made of—fearless, determined, and always up for a fight.
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Let’s dive deeper into the life of this incredible fast bowler, exploring his early struggles, domestic breakthroughs, and eventual rise to the biggest stage in cricket.
Early Life and Background
Mohammed Siraj’s Birthday and Early Years
Born on March 13, 1994, in Hyderabad, Mohammed Siraj wasn’t handed a smooth road to success. He wasn’t groomed in elite academies or given top-class training from a young age. Instead, he fought his way up, turning raw talent into a lethal weapon. Now in his prime, he’s no longer just an exciting prospect—he’s a key figure in India’s pace attack, proving that hunger and hard work can break through any barrier.
A Childhood Built on Sacrifice and Grit
Siraj’s story isn’t about privilege. It’s about resilience. His father, Mohammed Ghouse, worked long hours as an auto-rickshaw driver, while his mother, Shabana Begum, managed the home. Money was always tight, and cricket wasn’t supposed to be an option. Fancy coaching, professional gear—it was all out of reach.
But Siraj didn’t care. He played with whatever he could find, often a tennis ball on the narrow streets of Hyderabad. While others worried about school or jobs, he spent hours bowling, sometimes skipping meals just to stay on the ground a little longer.
His father never pushed him toward a “safe” career. Instead, he backed his son’s dream, no matter how uncertain it seemed. That belief, that simple but powerful support, became the backbone of Siraj’s incredible journey.
Initial Interest in Cricket and Struggles
Unlike many of his peers who were groomed in academies from an early age, Siraj’s journey into proper cricket started much later. It wasn’t until 2015—at the age of 21—that he first bowled with a professional leather ball in club cricket.
Then came the biggest heartbreak of his life—the passing of his father in 2020 while Siraj was on tour in Australia with the Indian team. Faced with the toughest decision of his career, he chose to stay back and honor his father’s dream rather than return home. That tour became a defining moment for him—not just as a cricketer, but as a person.
Mohammed Siraj had arrived. And he wasn’t going anywhere.
Domestic Career and Breakthrough
Hyderabad, Ranji Trophy – The Big Break
Mohammed Siraj’s journey truly took off in 2015, when he earned a spot in Hyderabad’s domestic squad. But it was the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy season that changed everything. He wasn’t just good—he was unplayable. 41 wickets in nine matches made him Hyderabad’s top wicket-taker, and suddenly, the cricketing world was taking notice.
Siraj wasn’t just about pace; he had that rare ability to move the ball both ways and generate awkward bounce. Add to that his aggression and never-say-die attitude, and it was clear he wouldn’t go unnoticed for long.
His defining moment came against Karnataka, a team stacked with international stars. Siraj tore through their batting lineup, making even the best look clueless. That spell didn’t just win Hyderabad the match—it put Siraj on the fast track to the big leagues.
Why Selectors Couldn’t Ignore Him
✔ 41 wickets in a single Ranji season—numbers that demand attention.
✔ Match-winning spell against a top-tier Karnataka side.
✔ Regularly hitting 140+ km/h, proving he had serious pace.
His performances in domestic cricket did more than just turn heads. They caught the eyes of IPL scouts, and before long, Siraj was about to step onto an even bigger stage—the Indian Premier League.
IPL: The Stage Where Siraj Announced Himself
Mohammed Siraj’s IPL story kicked off in 2017, when Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) splashed ₹2.6 crore to bring him in. It was a life-changing moment—suddenly, the boy who once bowled with tennis balls on Hyderabad’s streets was sharing a dressing room with cricket’s biggest superstars. The raw talent was there, and with every game, he soaked up lessons that would shape his future.
But it was his move to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2018 that turned him into a different beast. Under Virat Kohli’s leadership, Siraj sharpened his skills, became more consistent, and started showing why he belonged at the top level.
Then came 2020, the year he truly arrived. Against Kolkata Knight Riders, he ripped through their batting lineup with a spell of 3/8 in four overs—and in the process, became the first bowler in IPL history to bowl two maiden overs in a single match. It was the kind of performance that silences critics and announces a player to the world.
Siraj’s Journey in India Colors: From Debut to Dominance
For any cricketer, pulling on the India jersey is the ultimate dream. For Mohammed Siraj, that dream became reality in 2017 when he got his first national call-up. But his rise wasn’t a smooth fairytale—it was a story of hard work, setbacks, and defining performances that turned him into a key figure in Indian cricket.
Test Debut and a Series That Changed Everything
December 26, 2020. Melbourne Cricket Ground. Siraj was handed his Test cap in the middle of one of India’s toughest tours. Injuries had ravaged the squad, and the bowling attack was left threadbare. It was sink or swim—and Siraj chose to swim.
Then came Brisbane, The Gabba, his third Test match. India’s senior pacers were all unavailable. Siraj led the attack and delivered a spell for the ages—5/73, his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket. More importantly, he played a vital role in one of India’s greatest Test victories, as India broke Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the Gabba.
That series was a turning point. No longer just a promising talent—Siraj had arrived.
Dominating in ODIs and T20Is
While Tests showcased his grit and stamina, Siraj’s white-ball skills kept evolving. His ODI debut in 2019 was forgettable, but by 2022-23, he had become one of India’s most lethal new-ball bowlers.
Topped the ICC ODI Rankings (January 2023) – A testament to his consistency.
6/21 vs Sri Lanka – A masterclass in swing bowling, ripping through the top order.
His T20I role? Not as flashy, but still valuable. He may not be a specialist, but his ability to deliver tight powerplay overs ensures he remains in the mix.
The Perfect Piece in India’s Fast-Bowling Puzzle
With Bumrah, Shami, and Umesh, India already had a fearsome pace attack. But Siraj? He added something different—raw aggression, seam movement, and a never-say-die attitude.
- Bumrah thrives on accuracy and variations.
- Shami is a seam maestro.
- Siraj? A relentless force, swinging the ball at pace, unsettling the best in the business.
Whether steaming in with the new ball in ODIs or stepping up as the third seamer in Tests, Siraj is now a vital cog in India’s machine. And the scary part? He’s only getting better.
Siraj’s Bowling DNA: Pace, Swing, and Relentless Aggression
Every fast bowler has something that sets them apart. For Mohammed Siraj, it’s a blend of raw pace, natural swing, and fearless attitude that makes him a nightmare for batters. Whether it’s red-ball cricket or the shorter formats, he thrives on rhythm and momentum, always looking for wickets rather than just containing runs.
Pace, Swing, and Precision
Clocking speeds between 140-145 km/h, Siraj isn’t just quick—he’s smart. His biggest weapon? Swing. Give him a fresh red or white ball, and he’ll make it talk, shaping it both ways with subtle variations.
Outswing to right-handers – The kind that forces an edge to the slips.
Sharp nip-backers to lefties – Late movement that traps them in front.
And it’s not just about movement. His control over line and length has improved dramatically, making him far more consistent than when he first burst onto the scene.
What Makes Him Special?
Movement + Pace – Deadly in conditions that offer any swing.
Aggressive Mindset – Always in the batter’s face, never backs down.
Death-Over Specialist – Yorkers and slower balls getting sharper.
But even the best have areas to refine:
T20 Economy Rate – Can still go for runs under pressure.
Yorker Accuracy – Needs to be pinpoint at the death.
Reverse Swing – A skill that could take his Test game to another level overseas.
How Does He Compare to India’s Pace Stars?
Each Indian quick has a unique strength:
Jasprit Bumrah – The king of variations and unplayable yorkers.
Mohammed Shami – A master of seam movement and consistency.
Umesh Yadav – Raw pace, but unpredictable.
Mohammed Siraj – An out-and-out swing bowler who feeds off momentum.
Bumrah might be India’s No.1, but Siraj has built his own identity—a bowler who can lead the attack when needed and rattle the best in the world. And at this rate, he’s only getting harder to handle.
Mohammed Siraj’s Stats and Achievements
As of February 14, 2025, here are Mohammed Siraj’s career statistics across various formats:
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy |
| Test | 36 | 100 | 6/15 | 30.74 | 3.47 |
| ODI | 44 | 71 | 6/21 | 24.04 | 5.18 |
| T20I | 16 | 14 | 4/17 | 32.28 | 7.79 |
| IPL | 84 | 84 | 4/32 | 29.34 | 8.78 |
These statistics highlight Siraj’s significant contributions to Indian cricket across all formats. His consistent performances have established him as a key player in the national team.
Except his match-winning spells, Siraj has also bagged several individual accolades, including:
ICC No.1 Ranked ODI Bowler (2023)
Best Bowling Figures in an ODI Final (6/21 vs Sri Lanka)
First bowler in IPL history to bowl two maiden overs in a single match
These milestones prove that Siraj is not just another pacer in the Indian setup—he is here to make history.
Siraj’s Greatest Hits: When He Stole the Show
The Gabba Heroics – 2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Every fast bowler dreams of a moment that defines their career. For Mohammed Siraj, that moment came in Brisbane. India’s bowling attack was down to its bare bones, but Siraj led from the front, grabbing a stunning five-wicket haul in just his third Test. He dismantled Australia’s batting order on their own turf, breaking a 32-year unbeaten streak at the Gabba. That spell wasn’t just about numbers—it was about heart, aggression, and the belief that no challenge is too big.
Asia Cup 2023 Final – A Spell for the Ages
ODI cricket has given Siraj plenty of big moments, but his performance against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final was pure carnage. In just a six-over blitz, he tore through their top order, finishing with a surreal 6/21. The match was practically over before it even began. The swing, the pace, the accuracy—everything clicked that day, and Sri Lanka simply had no answers.
IPL 2020 – The Perfect Spell
The IPL is a graveyard for bowlers, but Siraj produced one of the format’s greatest spells against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2020. Two maidens. Three wickets. Absolute control. No bowler had ever bowled two maidens in a single IPL game before. In a league where batters dominate, Siraj flipped the script and showed the world that he could dictate terms, even in T20 cricket.
From Test match heroics to ODI masterclasses and IPL brilliance, Siraj has delivered on the biggest stages—and the best part? He’s just getting started.
Siraj Beyond Cricket: The Man Behind the Fast Bowler
From Gully Cricket to the Indian Jersey
Not every cricketing story begins in fancy academies. Siraj’s journey started on the streets of Hyderabad, where tennis-ball cricket was his playground. Coming from a humble background, he fought against the odds, powered by raw talent and relentless hard work. His late father, an auto-rickshaw driver, was his biggest supporter, and every time Siraj takes the field, he plays for more than just himself.
Giving Back – A Star Who Hasn’t Forgotten His Roots
Success hasn’t changed him—it’s only made him more generous. Siraj never forgets where he came from, and he makes sure to help those who dream like he once did. Whether it’s supporting young, underprivileged cricketers or funding social causes in Hyderabad, he believes in lifting others up. It’s no wonder fans admire him not just for his yorkers, but for his big heart too.
Beats, Boots & Banter – Life Outside Cricket
When the cricketing gear comes off, Siraj unwinds with music, football, and quality time with friends. A huge fan of European club football, he often shares his thoughts on the beautiful game. His social media? A mix of cricketing highs, personal moments, and lighthearted banter—because at the end of the day, he’s just a guy who loves the game, both on and off the field.
What the Greats Say About Siraj
Cricketing icons have had plenty to say about Mohammed Siraj—and it’s all glowing. Ravi Shastri, never one to mince words, summed it up best:
“Mohammed Siraj is the kind of bowler who can turn a match on its head. His ability to move the ball both ways and maintain pace makes him a serious weapon for India.”
Ricky Ponting? He’s been equally impressed, often comparing Siraj’s fire to some of the best fast bowlers he’s seen. When a competitor like Ponting respects your aggression, you know you’re doing something right.
What Makes Siraj Special?
Raw Pace & Swing – He regularly hits 140 km/h+ and gets the ball to dart around, keeping even world-class batters guessing.
Performs Anywhere & Everywhere – Whether it’s seaming decks in England, low-bounce tracks in India, or fast Australian wickets, Siraj adjusts, always finding ways to make an impact.
Plays with Heart & Fire – He’s fearless, loves a scrap, and doesn’t mind staring down the best in the business.
Clutch When It Matters – Time and again, he’s stepped up in big moments, proving he’s built for the pressure cooker of international cricket.
With Siraj steaming in, the game is never short on drama.
What’s Next for Siraj?
India’s Next Pace Spearhead – With Jasprit Bumrah leading the charge, Siraj is right behind him, carving out his own place as a fast-bowling powerhouse. The future of India’s attack looks secure with him steaming in.
An ICC Trophy in His Hands? – If there’s one dream Siraj has been vocal about, it’s winning an ICC trophy for India—whether it’s the World Cup or the World Test Championship. And with his relentless hunger, it feels like a matter of ‘when,’ not ‘if.’
Breaking Records, One Spell at a Time – He’s already making waves, but don’t be surprised if Siraj goes on to rewrite the record books in Tests and ODIs. The way he’s progressing, big milestones seem inevitable.
Captain Siraj in the IPL? – Leadership might not be on his radar just yet, but given his experience and growing stature, leading an IPL franchise could well be in his future.
FAQs – Everything You Need to Know About Mohammed Siraj
- How old is Mohammed Siraj?
Born on March 13, 1994, he turns 30 in 2024. - Which teams does he play for?
India (International) | Hyderabad (Domestic) | RCB (IPL) - His best bowling figures?
- Test – 5/73
- ODI – 6/21
- T20I – 4/17
- IPL – 4/32
- How did he start his career?
From Hyderabad’s domestic circuit to the Ranji Trophy, Siraj’s rise was rapid. The IPL gave him his first big break when Sunrisers Hyderabad picked him up, but it was at RCB where he truly made a name for himself. - What makes him special?
Pace, swing, aggression, and an attitude that screams ‘never back down.’ Whether it’s the new ball or the old, Siraj makes things happen.
