Personal tragedy adds to pressure on Mohammed Siraj Down Under

Mohammed Siraj is a medium-pace bowler, who plays for Hyderabad in the domestic circuit. In the Indian Premier League, he currently plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore. He has earned his maiden national call-up for Tests in Australia, starting December 17.

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj has his dream come true after he was selected to represent India in the upcoming Test series in Australia. He is currently with the squad Down Under, quarantining and training for the four-Test series, starting December 17, with India being the defending champions of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

However, Siraj has suffered a setback, as the 26-year-old has lost his father in Hyderabad. Mohammed Ghouse, who was aged 53, passed away on Friday as his last rites would be performed soon.

Meanwhile, Siraj won't be able to make it to Hyderabad, owing to the quarantine regulations in both countries. As he decides to stay in Australia, condolences and tributes poured in from him and his late father, respectively.

Siraj's Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) sent out a tweet, saying "Our heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to Mohammed Siraj & his family, on the loss of his father. The entire RCB family is with you during this difficult time. Stay strong, Miyan."

Meanwhile, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Sourav Ganguly, too, expressed his solaces. He tweeted, "May Mohammed Siraj have a lot of strength to overcome this loss..lots of good wishes for his success in this trip.. tremendous character @bcci."

The Hyderabadi pacer is coming off a terrific performance in the just-concluded IPL, where he finished as the third-highest wicket-taker for the side, claiming 11 wickets in nine innings at an economy of 8.68. He has already made his debut in the limited-overs. While he is yet to claim a wicket in the ODIs, he already has three wickets to his name in the T20Is, from three matches.

As he prepares for his Test debut, he has a decent record in First-Class cricket. In 36 matches, he has claimed 147 wickets at a terrific average of 23.00, including four five-fors and a 10-wicket haul. With conditions in Australia to suit pace bowling, he would be eager to make the most of it and dedicate his achievements to his late father.