Mohammed Siraj: Know the inspiring story of auto driver's son who got selected in India T20I squad

Hyderabad rookie pacer Mohammed Siraj's family cannot keep themselves calm as their son has got selected in the Indian squad for upcoming T20 international series against New Zealand, starting next month.

Siraj, born to his parents Mohammed Ghaus and Shabana Begum, played for Hyderabad in the 2015–16 Ranji Trophy tournament and also played for Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise in the 10th season of Indian Premier League (IPL).

He was roped in by Hyderabad with a astounding INR 2.6 crore and is primarily known for bagging 10 wickets when he was picked for India A's tour of South Africa.

Siraj's father is an auto driver whereas his brother works as a software engineer in an IT firm.

At the age of seven, Siraj began playing cricket and furthermore bunked classes to play tennis ball competition in his initial age.

In 2016, the 23-years-old player made his Twenty20 debut in the 2015–16 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournament.

Amid 2016-17 Ranji trophy tournament, he ended up being the highest wicket taker for Hyderabad with 41 wickets at a average of 18.92.

As far as his recent performance is concerned, the pacer has bagged four wickets in three matches while playing against New Zealand A.

Overall, he has played 16 T20 matches, grabbing 26 wickets at an average of 18.73.

“I knew that some time in future I will get a call-up but did not expect it this soon. I can’t tell you how happy I am. When I told my parents, they were speechless. It’s a dream come true,” said Siraj in an interview to PTI.

“Whatever I am today is primarily because of Ranji Trophy performance. My 40-odd wickets last season gave me the confidence. There’s nothing like getting wickets in first- class cricket. I was picked for Rest of India after that and because of Ranji Trophy, I got the IPL deal. So 60 per cent credit for this call-up is a performance in first-class cricket,” he added.