'Mera career Virat bhai ki wajah se hai,' says Mohammed Siraj on captain Kohli's roleMohammed Siraj has been having the time of his life on the field since he made his debut for Team India in Test cricket on Australian soil and made an immediate impact. Siraj had a tough time getting through to his debut in the longest format of the game after he lost his father, but the determination to play for the country in whites give his best pulled him through.

Since then Siraj has been on cloud 9 with the confidence that the series against Australia gave him and he has done well in two Tests he played against England at home and in the shortest format playing for the Virat Kohli-led side Royal Challengers Bangalore, taking wickets regularly, bowling with pace and control and landing yorkers at the death.

Speaking to The Times of India, Siraj talked about the phase when he chose to stay in Australia in November when he was in quarantine after he lost his father and the role of Virat Kohli in the same.

"He (Virat) has supported me through thick and thin. He has always been there for me and in all circumstances. I still remember how I was crying in the hotel room. Virat bhaiya came into my room and hugged me tightly and said – ‘I am with you, don’t worry.’

“Those words encouraged me a lot. He (Virat) played just one Test on the tour but his messages and calls motivated me. And that’s why I could perform. In fact, I didn’t have a good season with RCB in the past two years. But he (Virat) was always there to support me. He has backed me a lot.”

Siraj further heaped praise on Kohli saying whatever he is today is because of Kohli. "I had lost my father during the Australia series. I was shattered and not really in my senses. It was Virat bhaiya who gave me strength and support. Mera career Virat bhaiya ke wajah se hai (I owe my career to Virat),” the 27-year old pacer added.

Source : DNA India