Mohammed Siraj is an Indian fast bowler who established himself as a frontline pacer for India across formats after his rise in the early 2020s.
Mohammed Siraj was born on 13 March 1994 in Secunderabad, in what is now Telangana, India, to a Hyderabadi Muslim family; his father, Mirza Mohammed Ghaus, worked as an auto rickshaw driver, and his mother, Shabana Begum, was a housewife. Siraj began bowling with a tennis ball at 16, taking up club cricket at 19, and took nine wickets on his debut match for his uncle's team in the Hyderabad Cricket Association, quickly progressing through the domestic ranks. Siraj made his ODI debut for India in 2019 and his Test debut the following year, developing into one of the country's most reliable fast bowlers, playing a crucial role during India's 2023 Cricket World Cup campaign on home soil. Siraj's father died in 2020 during a period when Siraj was away on tour with the Indian team, a loss he has spoken about with great emotion. He has continued to represent India across formats and play in the Indian Premier League, and was honoured as an honorary Deputy Superintendent of Police in Hyderabad, having risen from humble beginnings to become one of the country's most respected fast bowlers.
Emerged as a key Indian pace bowler in Tests and ODIs
His father, an auto-rickshaw driver, died during India's 2020-21 Australia tour — Siraj stayed to play, took 5 wickets at the Gabba, and helped India win the historic series.
Did You Know?How They Played
Siraj is a right-arm fast bowler who relies on conventional swing and seam movement to trouble batsmen. He generates good pace consistently and has the ability to swing the ball both ways, making him effective with the new ball. His accuracy and ability to bowl long spells make him a valuable asset in Test cricket.
Lasting Impact
Siraj has established himself as a dependable fast bowler who helped strengthen India's pace bowling depth in the post-2020 era.
Career Honours
- none major
| Club | Period | Matches | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | 2018–present | 86 | 87 |
| Karnataka | 2015–present | 44 | 171 |
| Hyderabad | 2017–2017 | — | — |