Sydney: India’s pace bowler Mohammed Siraj’s got a tragedy struck after his father Mohammed Ghouse passed away due to lung ailment at the age of 53, on Friday (November 20).
Siraj is now in Australia along with the Indian squad preparing for Tour Down Under starting from November 27. The 26-year-old pacer was training with the national team in Sydney, heard the news of his father’s demise after returning from the practice session.
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 🙏🏻
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) November 20, 2020
Due to the quarantine rules in Australia, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Siraj would not be able to travel to India for the last rites of his father.
“My dad’s wish was always this – mera beta, desh ka naam roshan karna (my son, you should make my country proud). And, I will do that for sure,” said the fast bowler, who had lost his elder brother when he was just seven-year-old.
“I know what kind of hardship my dad faced in my early days driving an auto rickshaw to let me pursue my passion for the game. It is shocking. I lost the biggest support of my life. It was his dream to see me play for the country and I am glad that way I could realise that and bring joy for him.”
“The coach Shastri Sir and captain Virat Kohli were informed about the news. They just told me to be bold and are lending all the support,” Siraj added.
“Dad was admitted to hospital a day before the match so I was really concerned. However when I called home after the match, I was really surprised to hear that dad was home and that made me more happy that another good news after we winning the match against KKR,” Siraj had said in a video posted by RCB.
“He even told me happily that people having calling him whole day that your son has done so well in IPL and all the newspapers in Hyderabad have your photo,” he said.
