Mohammed Siraj was seen wiping his tears during India’s national anthem before the start of the ongoing New Year’s Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The Indian speedster got emotional after the completion of the national anthem and Jasprit Bumrah, who stood right next to him was seen offering him some emotional support.

Siraj’s story of rise to the top has been no less than an inspiring fairytale. It was the strong and determined support of his late father, Mohammed Ghouse, an auto-rickshaw driver who played a key role in shaping his career. Siraj’s travels with the team meant he couldn’t attend the last rites of his father, who passed away on November 20, but he was ever motivated to fulfil his dream – that of playing Test cricket for India.

The Hyderabad quick made a great impression on his Test debut Melbourne, returning with 2-40 and 3-37 during India’s eight-wicket win.

On the first morning in Sydney, not long after his emotional rendition, he accounted for the dangerous David Warner for five in just his second over and celebrated with great passion, putting his finger to his lips before high-fiving his team-mates. “Loved the celebration from Siraj,” remarked Sanjay Manjrekar on air.

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