Kohli is no stranger to overcoming personal tragedy as he continues with his professional duties. In 2007, Kohli, then a teenager, lost his father in the middle of a Ranji Trophy match but returned the next day to score 97 for Delhi, showing his mental toughness.
Siraj’s father, Mohammed Ghouse, 53, died of lung disease in Hyderabad last week and despite BCCI Offering him the option of returning home, the speedy bowler decided to stay on national service.
“Virat bhai said ‘Miyaan tense killed him (don’t be tense) and be strong. Your dad wanted you to play for India. So do that and don’t stress,” Siraj, 26, told’ bcci .tv ‘ on the sidelines of the Indian training session here.
“The boss told me, ‘If you can be strong in this situation, it will only help you.’ So those were positive words from the Indian captain and I felt good.”
I want to fulfill my father’s dream: Siraj, the fast bowler talks about overcoming personal loss and why he decided… https://t.co/ZPxUpdVf29
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Siraj’s father drove an automatic rickshaw during his formative years as a cricketer and has been the biggest influence on the Hyderabad man.
“It is a great loss for me, as he was the greatest support system of my life. I wanted him to shine for my country and my way of thinking now is to fulfill his dreams,” he said.
Siraj thanked his teammates, who have joined him.
“I am indebted to my teammates because they supported me in these difficult times and everything was well taken care of,” he said.
Siraj said that even his mother advised him not to abandon the task, which begins with the limited stretch from November 27.
“Mom said ‘everyone has to go someday. Today, it’s your dad, tomorrow it’ll be me. Just do what your dad wanted for you. Play well for India.’
“He may not be physically present, but I can feel that he is always with me,” Siraj said.
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