NEW DELHI: Hyderabad pacer Mohammed Siraj on Sunday made his debut for the India in the second T20I against New Zealand in Rajkot.
As the talented bowler took the field in coloured clothing, he failed to control his emotions and was broke into tears towards the end of the national anthem ceremony before the match.
Video showing Siraj’s emotional reaction is going viral on social media. It shows how much the Muslim bowler respects his country.
https://twitter.com/CricketKaVideos/status/926809037588459520
“Siraj makes his debut in place of Ashish Nehra. He is an upcoming talent in the IPL and is an exciting prospect,” India captain Virat Kohli was quoted as saying after the toss.
The Hyderabad lad is the younger son of auto driver Mohammed Ghaus, Siraj’s story is yet another example of rag to riches tale.
Eight months back, the 23-year-old right-arm pacer was picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad at the 2017 IPL auction for a whopping Rs 2.6 crore.
Siraj was the No.1 trending term on twitter within minutes of getting his International cap by Team India coach Ravi Shastri.
A moment to cherish for young Mohammed Siraj as he makes his debut for India today #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/0ttCZpLeoo
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 4, 2017
Here’s how Twitterrati reacted to Siraj’s inclusion in the Indian team.
Mohammed Siraj had tears in his eyes after the national anthem. What a huge moment for him, realising his dream of playing for 🇮🇳#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/q6fhZ8zbyq
— Chinmay Jawalekar (@CricfreakTweets) November 4, 2017
Mohammed Siraj having tears in his eyes during National Anthem shows what it means for him to play for country.
Respect for you!!#INDvNZ
— Boring… (@graphicalcomic) November 4, 2017
Mohammed Siraj had tears in his eyes after the national anthem. What a huge moment for him, realising his dream of playing for 🇮🇳#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/q6fhZ8zbyq
— Chinmay Jawalekar (@CricfreakTweets) November 4, 2017
The national anthem gave tears to Mohammed Siraj. No hate-monger can take this moment away from him. Dil bole INDIA.#INDVSNZ
— Asur (@IdleSid) November 4, 2017
Already made a mark, tears in the eyes….love for nation and anthem
Best of Luck "Mohammed Siraj"— Yadav जी (@Ankesh_Drohi) November 4, 2017
When Nation is debating whether to stand for national anthem or not?
Tears in Mohammed Siraj eyes shows how true patriotic feels!#INDvNZ
— Boring… (@graphicalcomic) November 4, 2017
Son of auto driver Mohammed Siraj playing his first game for India. #NationalAthem plays in the stadium. Tears in his eyes. What a moment!
— Common Man (@CommonSense___) November 4, 2017
Mohammed Siraj story is the classic rags to riches story. A humble beginning. A sporting talent. Luck. Life altering opportunity.
— Rashi (@rashi_kakkar) November 4, 2017