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Mohammed Sirajuddin, popularly known as Mohammed Siraj, was born on March 13, 1994, in Hyderabad, Telangana. His father, Mohammed Ghaus, worked long hours as an auto-rickshaw driver, while his mother, Shabana Begum, managed the household and raised Siraj alongside his three sisters. They lived in Chaderghat, a modest neighborhood where cricket was more than a game—it was a lifeline.
From a young age, Siraj was drawn to the sound of leather on willow. He would swing dusty tennis balls against walls and storefronts before school, mimicking the actions of his idols, Wasim Akram and Dennis Lillee. By age 11, with guidance from local coach Adil Malik, he began formal training at the Gymkhana ground, a popular cricketing hub in Hyderabad.
Balancing school and training wasn’t easy. Many days, he skipped meals or played barefoot, but the hardships only strengthened his resolve. By 14, his natural pace and aggression earned him a place in school matches. While attending Anwar-ul-Uloom College, he sharpened his bowling mechanics and embraced the path of a fast bowler. Growing up with limited means, Siraj learned early that resilience and hunger can be powerful allies.
Siraj is known for his fiery on-field presence and laser focus. He rarely cracks a smile during spells, instead locking eyes with batsmen, planning dismissals, and charging in with purpose. His composure during India’s iconic Gabba Test win in 2021—where he led the pace attack after senior bowlers were injured—highlighted his inner steel.
Moreover, he is a silent leader. His energy during net sessions, commitment during fielding drills, and attention to team needs make him a valuable dressing room presence. Captains and teammates alike praise his relentless work ethic and ability to lift spirits.
As a bowler who consistently clocks speeds between 145–150 km/h, Mohammed Siraj places a strong emphasis on physical conditioning to maintain peak performance. His training routine is well-rounded and focused on building both strength and endurance. To stabilize his shoulders and back—key areas for a fast bowler—he regularly uses resistance bands and performs medicine ball throws. For lower-body strength, which is crucial for explosive pace and balance, he incorporates squats, hill sprints, and lunges into his workouts.
He maintains a balanced non-vegetarian diet rich in proteins, vegetables, and whole grains. Between series, he prioritizes ice baths and physiotherapy to manage workload.
Off the pitch, Siraj leads a simple life. He avoids flashy appearances, choosing instead to spend time with family or close friends. Urdu poetry, soulful music, and motivational YouTube content are his go-to comforts during travel. Despite the fame, he remains deeply connected to his roots and is often seen giving back to the local cricketing community in Hyderabad.
Siraj’s domestic journey began when he broke into Hyderabad’s junior ranks after notable club cricket performances. He debuted in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2012, where he took 2/33 on debut—an early glimpse of his swing and control.
His Ranji Trophy debut came in 2015. Though his first season was modest, he made headlines in 2016–17 with 33 wickets at an average of 22.80. He was instrumental in Hyderabad’s knockout qualification after years of struggle.
Under the mentorship of Venkatapathy Raju, Siraj honed his red-ball skills, mixing pace with clever seam positions. His domestic performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare tournaments kept selectors interested, especially with India looking to bolster its pace battery.
Debuts:
ODI Debut: Jan 15, 2019 vs Australia
Test Debut: Dec 26, 2020 vs Australia (Gabba)
T20I Debut: Nov 4, 2017 vs New Zealand
| Format | Matches | Innings | Balls Bowled | Runs Conceded | Wickets | Average | Economy | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 38 | 71 | 5741 | 3374 | 109 | 30.95 | 3.53 | 52.67 |
| ODI | 44 | 43 | 1975 | 1708 | 71 | 24.06 | 5.19 | 27.82 |
| T20I | 16 | 16 | 348 | 452 | 14 | 32.29 | 7.79 | 24.86 |
In February 2017, he was bought by the Sunrisers Hyderabad team for the 2017 Indian Premier League (IPL) for 2.6 crores. In January 2018, he was bought by the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2018 IPL auction.
On 21 October 2020, he became the first bowler in IPL history to bowl back to back maiden overs in a single match.
In November 2024, he was bought by Gujarat Titans in the 2025 IPL Mega Auction for 12.25 Crores.
Siraj focuses on durability, especially as a fast bowler in all formats. His core strength, shoulder rehab routines, and recovery tools help maintain his form.
In 2022, a minor stress fracture forced him out for two Tests. Through disciplined rehab and platelet-rich plasma therapy, he returned in early 2023, claiming six wickets in a West Indies ODI series.
His comeback proved that smart recovery, not just grit, is key to longevity in cricket.
