Mohammed Siraj’s respect and admiration for Virat Kohli have been well-known for years. The two share a strong bond, one built on trust, guidance, and unwavering support. Siraj has often credited Kohli for standing by him during his early struggles with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), even when results weren’t going his way. That faith proved crucial — his impressive 2020 IPL season opened the door to a Test debut in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, and he hasn’t looked back since.
A “Superhero” in Siraj’s Eyes
When Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket earlier this year, Siraj was among the first to express his emotions publicly. In an emotional Instagram post, he called Kohli his “superhero,” a title that speaks volumes about their relationship both on and off the field.
The Jersey That Means More Than a Trophy
Now, Siraj has taken that admiration to his living room wall. A recent photo, shared by his manager, shows the pacer relaxing at home in Hyderabad — but the real highlight is the framed, signed jersey of Virat Kohli from his last Test match in Sydney during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The frame isn’t just memorabilia; it’s a reminder of a mentor who shaped his journey. The post was simply captioned: “Believe.”
Heroics at the Oval
Siraj’s own career is in full bloom. In the recent Oval Test against England, he delivered a match-winning performance, taking nine wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings. His efforts sealed a thrilling six-run win for India, levelling the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series 2-2. The performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
Leading the Pace Attack
With Jasprit Bumrah absent, Siraj led India’s bowling attack with determination, finishing as the series’ top wicket-taker with 23 scalps. His stellar form also pushed him up to 15th in the ICC Test Rankings.
Even at Edgbaston, where India crushed England by 336 runs, Siraj made a statement with a six-wicket haul in the first innings. Kohli, watching from afar, congratulated the team and singled out Siraj for his brilliant performances.
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