From ₹500 Jobs to ₹2.6 Crore IPL Star: Mohammad Siraj’s Incredible Rise Will Leave You Speechless
From ₹500 Jobs to ₹2.6 Crore IPL Star: Mohammad Siraj’s Incredible Rise Will Leave You Speechless
Mohammad Siraj’s journey from a small neighborhood in Hyderabad to becoming one of India’s top fast bowlers is a story filled with challenges, hard work, and success. Born into a poor family in the Old City of Hyderabad, Siraj’s early life was far removed from the world of cricket stardom. His father drove an auto-rickshaw, and his mother worked as a housemaid. Growing up, money was always tight, and cricket was more of a distraction than a serious dream.
In his younger days, Siraj often played cricket with a tennis ball in the narrow lanes of his locality. Without proper shoes or equipment, he still spent hours bowling, trying to copy his favorite players. He even played matches wearing slippers because he couldn’t afford cricket spikes. He took up small jobs, including working as a caterer, to support his family while continuing to play cricket whenever he got the chance.
His life began to change when he joined a local cricket club. There, he received his first proper kit and shoes. As his performances improved, so did his confidence. His big break came in 2016 when Sunrisers Hyderabad picked him for the Indian Premier League (IPL) for ₹2.6 crore. This not only gave him exposure but also helped improve his family’s financial condition.
Siraj made his international debut in T20 cricket in 2017. He later played his first ODI in 2019 and Test match in 2020. During his Test debut, he faced a personal loss when his father passed away. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, he was unable to attend the funeral, a difficult moment in his career.
Over the years, Siraj has become a dependable name in the Indian team. Known for his pace and consistency, he even led the pace attack in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence. In 2024, when India won the T20 World Cup, Siraj was an important part of the squad.
He now plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL and is known for his strong performances in all formats. His recent performances, particularly in the England Test series, have highlighted his ability to overcome past adversity and deliver under pressure.
From a boy with no proper shoes to a player on the world stage, Siraj’s story is one of determination and rising through tough times. Mohammad Siraj’s journey proves that hard work and patience can take you a long way, even from the streets of Hyderabad to the biggest cricket stadiums in the world.
