The luminary of the Indian cricket firmament, Mohammad Siraj, has scaled the zenith of the ICC rankings, etching a historic narrative of his own. From the hinterlands of the ninth position, he has catapulted himself to the pinnacle, securing the coveted top spot.
The latest rendition of the ICC rankings, unveiled on a Wednesday, showcases Siraj’s ascendancy. His mettle was on full display during the climactic duel of the Asia Cup in 2023, where he masterfully conceded a mere 21 runs and, in a stunning display of prowess, claimed six wickets.
Historic achievement of Siraj
Rewinding the sands of time to September 20, 2022, Siraj’s ODI ranking languished at an unremarkable 72. Fast forward precisely one year, and the annals of cricket history are rewritten as he assumes the exalted mantle of the number one ODI bowler on September 20, 2023.
Mohammad Siraj, affectionately known as “Mian Magic,” has outshone the luminaries of the cricketing world, usurping the likes of Australian stalwart Josh Hazlewood, thereby annexing a pivotal echelon in the rankings. This crowning achievement marks his second reign as the premier bowler, following a prior ascendancy in March 2023.
Before Siraj’s meteoric ascent, the apogee of ODI bowling belonged to Australia’s Josh Hazlewood. Yet, Siraj’s prodigious talent has not merely eclipsed Hazlewood; it has outshone esteemed contemporaries like Trent Boult, Rashid Khan, and Mitchell Starc. Trent Boult, in the current landscape, occupies the coveted third position.
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Siraj’s historic foray bears significance, particularly as it unfurls in anticipation of the impending World Cup. The tally reveals that Mohammad Siraj commands a formidable 694 points, securing a long-awaited and well-deserved zenith in the ODI rankings.
It is imperative to acknowledge that Babar Azam reigns supreme as the foremost one-day batsman, while Shakib Al Hasan occupies the mantle of the preeminent day all-rounder.
The crucible of Siraj’s early years:
Mohammad Siraj’s life narrative unfurls against the backdrop of adversity, born on March 13, 1994, into the humble environs of a destitute family in Hyderabad. His father, Mohammad Ghaus, toiled as an auto-rickshaw driver, while his mother, Shabana Begum, diligently fulfilled her role as a homemaker.
The pursuit of cricket, in the face of financial constraints, was an arduous endeavor, yet it was his father’s cherished dream for Siraj to don the mantle of a cricketer—a dream fervently pursued through unflagging diligence and tenacity.
Siraj’s initiation into the cricketing fold commenced at the tender age of seven, marked by spirited matches with tennis balls, often adorned in humble slippers. Sports shoes remained an unattainable luxury during those formative years.
The pivotal juncture arrived in 2012, heralding Siraj’s introduction to leather balls, a pivotal moment that attracted the attention and admiration of cricketing luminaries. His ascent saw him graduate from the Hyderabad Under-19 team to the senior ranks and, subsequently, secure a berth in the Ranji team, albeit through a protracted and grueling journey marked by relentless struggles.
In a poignant reflection, Mohammad Siraj unveiled the poignant saga of his family’s travails. He revealed that his family weathered a tempestuous storm of adversity.
To nurture his cricketing dream, his father, lovingly referred to as “Abbu,” allocated a meager sum of 100 rupees daily. Of this paltry stipend, Siraj would allot 70 rupees to fuel his modest Platina bike, embarking on the arduous journey to cricket practice. The commitment and dedication were unwavering.
The spotlight beckoned Siraj after his sterling performances in domestic cricket for Hyderabad. He surged as the preeminent wicket-taker for Hyderabad during the 2016–17 Ranji Trophy, amassing a staggering tally of 41 wickets.
In the subsequent 2017-18 Vijay Hazare Trophy, Siraj continued his meteoric rise, clinching 23 wickets in just seven matches for Karnataka. These statistics cast an enchanting spell upon cricket enthusiasts across the nation, affirming the presence of a truly extraordinary talent in their midst.
Mohammad Siraj’s tryst with the IPL:
Mohammad Siraj‘s debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2017 was a direct consequence of his dazzling performances in domestic fixtures. Sunrisers Hyderabad acquired his services for a princely sum of 2.6 crores during the 2017 IPL auction. Subsequently, in 2018, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) enlisted him as part of their contingent.
Notably, Siraj etched his name into the annals of IPL history by becoming the first bowler to deliver two maiden overs in a single match—an astonishing feat achieved during the 2020 season, amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic. His sublime bowling exploits in the IPL left an indelible imprint on the discerning selectors and cricket aficionados alike.