Mohammed Siraj: All you need to know about the fast bowler who earned his maiden India call-up
As with every year, we have had some interesting and inspiring stories from the 2017 Indian Premier League (IPL). Even as the focus has been on the high-profile international stars, plenty of emerging Indian players not only went for big money but justified it as well. One of those who went for a lot of money has now been picked in India’s T20I squad to face New Zealand.
Despite not a lot of domestic experience behind him, seamer Mohammed Siraj was signed for a massive INR 2.6 Crores by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Having set his base price at INR 20 Lakhs, the then 22-year-old saw Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) setting off a bidding war. However, the defending champions eventually managed to close the deal at 13 times his base price.
Here is everything you need to know about this promising fast bowler from Hyderabad who has now earned his maiden call-up to the national side.
#5 Began his career as a batsman
Not many would know that Siraj did not concentrate on becoming a fast bowler. Initially starting out as a batsman who could bowl a bit, the right-hander played predominantly with the tennis ball in his formative years.
It was Siraj’s friends who insisted on his participation in a league tournament in order to turn into a professional cricketer. For Charminar Cricket Club, he utilized those skills he had picked up from playing tennis ball cricket to add immense value to the team.