“Kohli Supported Siraj When No One Did” – Siraj’s Brother Mohammad Ismail After Series Draw
Mohammed Siraj’s brother says the pacer's fitness and hunger are all thanks to Virat Kohli’s support and influence.
Mohammed Siraj’s brother, Ismail, has given full credit to Virat Kohli for the fast bowler’s fitness and mental strength. Speaking after India’s thrilling win over England in the fifth Test at The Oval, Ismail said Siraj’s dedication and discipline today are hugely inspired by Kohli.
Siraj played all five Tests in the recently concluded India-England series, where he bowled over 185 overs and took 23 wickets.
He played a crucial role in the fifth Test, turning the game in India’s favour when England needed just 35 runs with four wickets in hand.
Siraj took three wickets in a stunning spell and helped India win the match by six runs, drawing the series 2-2.
“Fitness is on another level now”
Ismail shared that Siraj often says he plays for their late father’s dream. But he also revealed how Virat Kohli’s influence changed his brother’s approach to the game, especially when it comes to fitness and aggression.
“Abbu ke liye khelna hai, unka sapna jiyunga main. Fitness is on another level for him now. And it is all because of Virat Kohli,” Ismail told The Times of India. “He is more than his elder brother. The aggression and hunger he has taken from Virat.”
Kohli backed Siraj when no one did
Siraj’s journey hasn’t always been smooth. In 2018, he had a tough IPL season, and many critics questioned his place. But Kohli, who was then captain of both RCB and India, stood firmly behind him.
“In 2018, Siraj had a terrible IPL season. But Virat bhaiya supported him throughout. He saw something in Siraj and kept backing him at RCB and in the Indian team,” Ismail said.
He added that Siraj even changed his eating habits because of Kohli.
“He was fond of biryani. But now, he eats it rarely, only after a lot of pep talk from Virat bhaiya,” he said.
With Jasprit Bumrah missing the final Test due to workload management, Siraj stepped up and led the pace attack. His spell at The Oval was one of the biggest reasons India were able to fight back and level the series.
