India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj went to his father's grave first thing after landing in Hyderabad, his home town, as he returned from India's tour of Australia. Siraj had lost his father in November 2020 while he was with the team Down Under. He was given the option of returning home but the pacer chose to stay back with the team for the series. "I went to father's graveyard straight after landing in Hyderabad. I was very emotional," Siraj told reporters on Thursday evening. Siraj made his Test debut in the second Test in Melbourne and finished the Border-Gavaskar series with 13 wickets - the most by any Indian bowler.
Later, Siraj was seen spending time with his niece in the balcony of his home as he was reunited with his family after a long break of five months.
Before the Australia tour, Siraj was part of Royal Challengers Bangalore and played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in the United Arab Emirates.
Siraj's father, Mohammed Ghouse, aspired to watch Siraj play for India and the fast bowler revealed on several occasions during the series that he stayed back in Australia to fulfil his father's dream.
Siraj picked up his maiden five-wicket haul in the fourth Test in Brisbane and said his focus was on fulfilling his father's wish.
"I am thankful that I was able to pick five wickets as it was a very tough situation for me after my dad passed away. But after talking to my mom at home, I gained some confidence. The call with my mom made me mentally strong. My focus was to fulfil my dad's wish," said Siraj after the fourth day's play in Brisbane.
"I want to thank God that I got the chance to play for India as it was my dad's wish too. If he was alive today, he would have been very happy. But I know his blessings were with me and I am speechless after my performance," Siraj had said.