When the national anthem of India was played out before the start of India’s Test match against Australia Sydney Cricket Ground, 26-year-old Hyderabad bowler Mohammed Siraj was seen wiping away his tears in an emotional moment.
Very touching #siraj during national anthem 3rd Test match. 🙏👍 #TestCricket @imVkohli #INDvsAUSTest pic.twitter.com/6nMgYzYw25
— HP (@heman_12) January 6, 2021
He was lauded on Twitter for his commitment to representing the country for the match.
I just want certain people to remember this picture. He is #SirajMohammed and this is what the national anthem means to him pic.twitter.com/eJi9Xeww8E
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 7, 2021
Even if there's little or no crowd to cheer you on, no better motivation than playing for India. As a legend once said "You don't play for the crowd, you play for the country." 🇮🇳 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/qAwIyiUrSI
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 7, 2021
After the day’s play, the pacer was asked as to why he got so teary-eyed, and he revealed the huge personal grief behind it.
✊ #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/4NK95mVYLN
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 6, 2021
Siraj recalled, “When the national anthem was playing, I was missing my father, so that’s why. It was very emotional, because Dad wanted to see his son play Test cricket. Wish he could see me playing for India.”
Mohammed Siraj on why he got so emotional while the National Anthem was being played at the SCG.#TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/zo0Wc8h14A
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 7, 2021
Siraj’s father passed away in November 2020 due to a lung ailment. When the Indian team’s management asked Siraj if he wished to attend his father’s final rites, but the fast bowler chose to stay with the squad in Australia instead, NDTV reports.
In the game in Sydney, Siraj carried on his good form. He is expected to play a key role in India’s bowling attack for the rest of the matches as well.