“Jaa ke apne baap ke saath auto chalao” - Mohammed Siraj recalls abuse predicted by MS Dhoni early in his career

Mohammed Siraj, who recently attracted attention during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, particularly in the absence of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who struggles to manage his workload because of a severe back injury that has plagued the bowler-par-excellence, recently talked about his early career and how an inspirational speech from MS Dhoni during his debut for Team India helped him keep perspective in the face of the praise and criticism he has received.

Before he began playing for India, Mohammed Siraj's life was anything but pleasant. To say that it is one now would be an overstatement, but Siraj has moved past his most difficult moments. Widely regarded as the second-best Indian fast bowler after Jasprit Bumrah, the 31-year-old Hyderabadi is acutely aware of the intense emotions that motivate Indian supporters.

Siraj, a vital member of India's Test bowling attack, stated that although strong performances are commended, even a small deterioration in performance draws severe criticism. Siraj recalled that Dhoni had provided him with invaluable advice early in his career in an interview with The Indian Express.

“I remember when I joined the India team, MS Dhoni had told me, ‘Kisi ki baaton mein nahin aana. Jab tu acha karega, toh poori duniya tumhare saath rahegi, aur jab kharaab karega, yahi duniya tujhe gaali degi.’ (Don’t pay attention to what others say. When you are performing well, the entire world will be with you, and when you aren’t, they will abuse you)," said Siraj.

In keeping with Dhoni's comments, Siraj has gone through both. There were moments when the abuse got so bad that Siraj said in a recent interview, "I don't want praise from all of you."

Recalling his tough times during IPL, Siraj said, “When things didn’t go my way during the IPL, I was trolled very badly,” Siraj admitted. “One day, fans say ‘there’s no bowler like Siraj,’ and the next, if I don’t perform, they say ‘jaa ke apne baap ke saath auto chalao’ (go ride the auto with your father). What’s the point of this?”

Siraj's remarks emphasise the demands of professional athletics and how Dhoni's cool-headedness still serves as a mentor to many young players long after he has retired.

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