Mohammed Siraj’s rise in cricket from a relatively unknown player to a leading wicket-taker for India is a story of perseverance and talent. Before the 2016-17 season, Siraj was not widely recognized. However, his performance in the Ranji Trophy, where he took 41 wickets in nine matches, propelled him into the spotlight. This achievement made him the third-highest wicket-taker in the tournament and secured him a spot with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Siraj’s ability to generate pace and bounce, despite not being particularly tall, impressed then Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody. His performance in the IPL, where he claimed 10 wickets in just six matches, further solidified his reputation as a rising star. The demand for Siraj was evident in the IPL auction, where his price soared from a base of 20 lakhs INR to a final bid of 2.6 crores INR.
Although he missed the 2017-18 Ranji season, Siraj returned strongly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, taking 23 wickets in seven games, including three five-wicket hauls. He continued his impressive form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament with 10 wickets in five games. Siraj’s domestic performances paved the way for his international debut in 2017.
Siraj’s breakthrough on the international stage came in December 2020 during the Test series against Australia. Filling in for an injured Mohammed Shami, he made a significant impact, becoming India’s leading wicket-taker in the series and playing a crucial role in India’s 2-1 victory.
His success continued in ODIs, where he became a lethal bowler, especially in the powerplay. In January 2023, Siraj achieved the top ranking in ODI bowling. A highlight of his ODI career was his remarkable spell of 6/21 in the 2023 Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka. Siraj also featured in the World Cup squad, sharing the new ball with Jasprit Bumrah. He was selected for the 2024 T20I World Cup, participating in all the matches held in the USA.
Siraj’s journey in the IPL has been equally noteworthy. His initial success with Sunrisers Hyderabad, followed by a move to Royal Challengers Bangalore, saw him develop into a reliable death bowler. Despite initial struggles with accuracy, he significantly improved his performance after 2022, becoming a consistent wicket-taker for RCB. His value in the IPL was further underlined when the Gujarat Titans acquired him for a substantial sum of 12.25 crores. While the question “How Many Wickets Did Siraj Take Today” requires specific match details to answer, his overall career statistics showcase his evolution into a formidable bowler across all formats. Siraj’s hard work and dedication have transformed him into a key player for India and a sought-after asset in franchise cricket.
