From Hyderabad Streets to World-Class Pacer – The Inspiring Story of Mohammed Siraj aka Miya Bhai
Indian cricketer Mohammed Siraj, also known as “Miya Bhai” by fans and teammates, has written one of the most heartwarming success stories in Indian cricket. From humble beginnings in Hyderabad to leading India’s pace attack, Siraj’s journey is a mix of determination, talent, and the magic of dreams coming true.
From Auto-Rickshaw Driver’s Son to International Star
Siraj comes from a working-class family in Hyderabad’s Toli Chowki area. His father drove an auto-rickshaw to support the family, often working long hours so Siraj could pursue his cricket dreams.
During the earlier phase of his life, he faced financial problems frequently, and there were times when continuing cricket seemed impossible. But Siraj’s father believed in his son’s talent and made sacrifices to keep the dream alive. Tragically, his father passed away during India’s 2020–21 Australia tour, making Siraj’s subsequent success even more emotional.
Career-Best Bowling Performances
Test Cricket Records
Siraj’s best bowling performance in Test cricket came in January 2024 against South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town. He took 6 wickets for just 15 runs in one innings — his career-best figures. In the same match, he grabbed 9 wickets for 29 runs overall, helping India draw the series 1–1.
ODI Cricket Highlights
His finest ODI performance came in September 2023 during the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Siraj demolished the Sri Lankan batting lineup by taking 6 wickets for only 21 runs. This was the joint second-fastest six-wicket haul in ODI history. He won the Player of the Match award as India won by 10 wickets.
T20I Best Figures
In T20 Internationals, Siraj’s best bowling came against Sri Lanka at Pallekele in July 2024, where he took 3 wickets for 8 runs. This showcased his ability to perform under pressure, especially during the death overs.
Major Career Milestones
Domestic Cricket Breakthrough
Siraj first caught attention during the 2016–17 Ranji Trophy season. Playing for Hyderabad, he took 41 wickets and became the team’s leading wicket-taker. This performance opened doors to international cricket for him.
International Debuts
- T20I Debut: Siraj made his T20I debut in 2017 against New Zealand.
- ODI Debut: He got his ODI chance in 2019 against Australia.
- Test Debut: His Test career began in 2020 against Australia during the famous Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
Historic Test Series in Australia (2020–21)
One of Siraj’s biggest achievements came during India’s tour of Australia in 2020–21. He took 13 wickets in the Test series, including a crucial 5 wickets for 73 runs at the MCG. His bowling played a key role in India winning the series, including the historic victory at Brisbane, where India had never won before.
2023 ODI World Cup Performance
During the 2023 Cricket World Cup held in India, Siraj picked up 14 wickets across the tournament. His consistent bowling helped India reach the final.
2024 T20 World Cup Champion
Siraj was part of India’s squad that won the T20 World Cup in 2024, adding an ICC trophy to his growing list of achievements.
ICC Rankings Success
- ODI Rankings: In January 2023, Siraj reached the number one spot in the ICC ODI bowler rankings — a huge achievement for any fast bowler.
- Test Rankings: By October 2025, he climbed to a career-best 12th position in the ICC Test bowler rankings.
Complete List of Five-Wicket Hauls
Siraj has taken five or more wickets in an innings on five occasions in international cricket.
In Test Matches (3 times)
- 6/15 vs South Africa (Newlands, January 2024) — Career-best Test figures that helped India level the series
- 5/73 vs Australia (MCG, December 2020–January 2021) — Crucial performance during India’s historic series win
- Additional five-wicket hauls against England (2025) and West Indies
In ODI Matches (1 time)
- 6/21 vs Sri Lanka (Asia Cup Final, Colombo, September 2023) — Player of the Match performance
In T20 Internationals
Siraj has not yet taken five wickets in a T20I innings, though his best figures of 3/8 highlight his effectiveness.
The RCB–Virat Kohli Connection
IPL Family
Playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore under Virat Kohli’s captaincy played a major role in shaping Siraj’s career. Kohli recognized his potential early and backed him through tough phases.
Learning from the Best
Learning from Kohli’s intensity and professionalism helped Siraj develop his own aggressive style. Their on-field chemistry is visible in both IPL and international cricket.
Major Awards and Recognition
ICC Awards
- ICC Men’s Player of the Month (August 2025): Siraj won the award after taking 23 wickets during India’s Test series in England, including impressive figures of 9 wickets for 190 runs in a match.
- ICC ODI Team of the Year (2022): Selected among the world’s best ODI players for his consistent performances.
Bilateral Series Awards
- Impact Player of the Series vs West Indies (October 2025): Won for taking 10 wickets in the series and dominating in home conditions.
Match Awards
Siraj has won three Man of the Match awards in Test cricket and one in ODI cricket for match-winning performances.
What Makes Siraj Special
Siraj doesn’t just take wickets occasionally — he delivers consistently. His 41 wickets in the 2016–17 Ranji Trophy, 13 wickets in Australia, 14 in the World Cup, and 23 in England prove his ability to perform in all conditions.
Many of his best performances have come in crucial matches — the Asia Cup final, key Test matches, and ICC tournaments — making him invaluable to the Indian team.
Unlike bowlers who shine in only one format, Siraj has proven himself in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. This versatility makes him a key asset for Indian cricket.
Recent Form (2025–2026)
Siraj’s recent performances have been strong. His 23 wickets in England (August 2025) and 10 wickets against West Indies (October 2025) show he is currently in top form. Reaching 12th in the Test rankings in October 2025 further proves his steady improvement.
Looking Ahead
At this stage of his career, Mohammed Siraj has established himself as India’s premier fast bowler. His ability to take wickets in all conditions, perform under pressure, and remain consistent across formats makes him crucial to India’s future success.
From taking 41 wickets in the Ranji Trophy to becoming the number one ODI bowler, from his Test debut in Australia to winning the T20 World Cup, Siraj’s journey shows that with dedication and skill, anything is possible. As he continues his career, fans can expect many more match-winning performances and records from this exceptional fast bowler.
