Mohammed Siraj’s cricketing journey has been nothing short of inspirational. Once mocked and told to give up cricket after a poor IPL season, he has now emerged as the poster boy for resilience and redemption in Indian cricket. His performance in the recent Test series against England has firmly cemented his place as one of India’s premier fast bowlers, showcasing not only skill but also immense mental strength.
Back in 2019, Siraj was under immense pressure. A dismal IPL performance had turned public sentiment against him. He was ridiculed on social media and, in one of the more notorious insults, was told to leave cricket and drive an auto-rickshaw like his father. The remarks were harsh, personal, and cut deep. For many, such criticism would have shattered their confidence. But Siraj chose to channel that hurt into hard work.
Fast forward to 2025, and the narrative around Siraj has taken a complete U-turn. In the recently concluded England series, he was a standout performer, ending the series with 23 wickets and being named Player of the Match in the thrilling final Test. His fiery spell at The Oval was instrumental in India leveling the series 2–2. With pace, precision, and heart, Siraj dismantled the English middle order and delivered when it mattered most. It was a performance that not only showcased his cricketing ability but also his evolution as a leader of the pace attack.
Beyond the field, Siraj’s story is one of socio-economic rise. Hailing from a humble background in Hyderabad, where his father drove an auto to support the family, Siraj is now reportedly worth ₹57 crore. This financial success has come through a combination of his BCCI central contract, IPL earnings, brand endorsements, and savvy investments. He has used his success to uplift his family, build a life of security, and inspire countless young cricketers from underprivileged backgrounds.
What makes Siraj’s transformation even more remarkable is his attitude. Despite the fame and wealth, he remains grounded. He often credits his late father and his early struggles as the fuel that drives him. His bond with teammates, especially those like Virat Kohli who backed him during tough times, remains strong and evident in his on-field celebrations and post-match interviews.
Siraj’s rise is a powerful message to all aspiring athletes: adversity is not the end, but often the beginning of greatness. Talent needs opportunity, but grit is what sustains it. From bowling in the streets of Hyderabad to rattling top-order batsmen in historic Test matches, Siraj has proven that no background is too humble, and no dream too big.
He’s no longer just a cricketer who was once mocked—he’s now a national asset, a symbol of determination, and a hero whose journey inspires a generation.