introduction: The Spell That Moved a Nation
On January 17, 2021, Mohammed Siraj stood at the Sydney Cricket Ground, leading India’s depleted attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. Just weeks after losing his father, the Hyderabad pacer channeled grief into greatness, claiming 5/73 to script India’s iconic draw. That spell wasn’t just cricket—it was catharsis. Today, Siraj is India’s pace spearhead, an IPL stalwart, and a symbol of resilience. This blog chronicles his journey from Hyderabad’s gritty streets to cricketing immortality.
Early Life and Background: From Auto-Rickshaws to the Adelaide Oval
Born on March 13, 1994, in Hyderabad’s Toli Chowki, Mohammed Siraj grew up in poverty. His father, Mohammed Ghaus, drove an auto-rickshaw to fund his cricket dreams. Siraj honed his skills with taped tennis balls in local gullies, often skipping meals to save money for kits. At 20, he joined the Charminar Cricket Club, where coach Abdul Azeem spotted his raw pace and mentored him into Hyderabad’s domestic circuit.
Key Early Milestones
- 2015: Debuted for Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy, taking 41 wickets in his first season.
- 2017: IPL debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) after being signed for ₹2.6 crore.
- 2018: Broke into India’s Test squad after topping the Ranji Trophy wicket charts (54 wickets).
Domestic Career: Hyderabad’s Unlikely Hero
Siraj’s ability to swing the ball both ways and bowl searing yorkers made him a domestic powerhouse.
Domestic Stats (As of July 2024)
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Avg | Economy | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class | 38 | 147 | 23.10 | 3.45 | 8/59 vs Andhra (2017) |
| List A | 56 | 89 | 28.30 | 5.10 | 6/42 vs Karnataka (2018) |
| T20s | 102 | 124 | 21.50 | 7.95 | 4/17 vs RCB (2018) |
Source: BCCI Domestic Records
International Career: India’s Resilient Warrior
Siraj’s Test debut in 2020 marked the start of a redemption saga.
International Stats (As of July 2024)
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Avg | Economy | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 28 | 98 | 27.85 | 3.35 | 6/15 vs South Africa (2024) |
| ODIs | 34 | 58 | 25.90 | 4.95 | 6/21 vs Sri Lanka (2023) |
| T20Is | 12 | 15 | 28.20 | 8.70 | 4/17 vs West Indies (2023) |
Career Highlights
- 2020/21 Australia Tour: 13 wickets in 3 Tests, including a 5-wicket haul at the Gabba.
- 2023 ODI World Cup: 14 wickets at 22.50, key to India’s runner-up finish.
- 2024 Cape Town Test: 6/15 vs South Africa, India’s best figures in SA.
IPL Journey: From Sunrisers’ Backup to RCB’s Pace Leader
Siraj’s IPL career began with SRH in 2017, but his transformation came at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
IPL Career Stats (2017–2024)
| Season | Team | Matches | Wickets | Economy | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 6 | 10 | 9.10 | Debut vs RCB (2/31) |
| 2020 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 15 | 11 | 8.78 | Maiden IPL hat-trick vs KKR |
| 2023 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 14 | 19 | 7.50 | Eco. King Award (min. 10 matches) |
| 2024 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 14 | 21 | 7.20 | 4/21 vs CSK, Purple Cap Contender |
IPL 2025 Salary (Projected): ₹12–15 crore (Sources: Cricbuzz Auction Analysis)
Recent Career Highlights (2023–2024)
- 2023 Asia Cup: 10 wickets at 15.20, including 4/32 vs Sri Lanka in the final.
- 2024 Test Series vs England: 18 wickets at 22.60, key to India’s comeback.
- IPL 2024: Record economy rate of 6.85 in death overs (16-20).
Net Worth and Endorsements: The Financial Yorker
At 30, Siraj’s net worth is estimated at ₹55–65 crore ($6.6–7.8 million), fueled by:
- Cricket Earnings: ₹35 crore (IPL salaries, BCCI contracts).
- Endorsements: ₹15–20 crore (deals with Dream11, Jio, CEAT, and Manyavar).
- Investments: Co-owns a Hyderabad sports academy and a chain of biryani restaurants.
Endorsement Portfolio
| Brand | Deal Type | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Dream11 | Brand Ambassador | 2020 |
| Jio | Campaign Face | 2021 |
| CEAT Tyres | Ambassador | 2022 |
| Manyavar | Festive Campaigns | 2023 |
Personal Life: The Family Anchor
Siraj’s life revolves around his wife Saba Khan and daughter. He funds scholarships for underprivileged cricketers in Hyderabad and renovated his father’s auto-rickshaw as a tribute. A devout Muslim, he observes Ramadan even during tours. His Instagram (@mdsirajofficial) blends training clips, family moments, and Hyderabadi cuisine posts.
Future Prospects: The Pace Patriarch
With Ishant Sharma retired, Siraj eyes leading India’s Test attack alongside Bumrah.
What’s Next?
- 2025 WTC Final: Target: Spearhead India to their maiden title.
- IPL 2025: Secure ₹15+ crore contract and RCB’s vice-captaincy.
- Global Leagues: PSG and BBL franchises in talks for 2025.
Conclusion: The Unyielding Spirit of India’s New-Age Pacer
Mohammed Siraj’s story isn’t about pace—it’s about perseverance. From driving autos to dismantling batting lineups, he’s redefined resilience. As IPL 2025 looms, Siraj isn’t just chasing wickets; he’s proving that grit outshines glamour. Whether swinging the ball or uplifting his community, he’s cricket’s phoenix—forever rising from ashes.
Cricket isn’t just a sport; it’s a playground for stories, and I’m here to tell them with humor, creativity, and a touch of flair. Whether it’s the thrill of an IPL last-over finish or the quirks of a rising star, my words bring the game alive for the next-gen audience. Like an unorthodox stroke that surprises the bowler, my take on cricket is anything but predictable. And if you ask what’s on my mind—well, cricket, always cricket! 🏏🔥
