MS Dhoni once advised an Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj that he is not an easy person to meet, and this advice was given by the former upon their meeting first. Siraj said Dhoni told him to ignore outside opinions and focus only on his own game. The pacer mentioned that this guidance helped him stay confident and concentrate on improving his performance.
“I remember when I joined the India team, MS Dhoni had told me, ‘Kisiki baato mein nahin aana. Jab tu achha karega, toh poori duniya tere saath rahegi, aur jab kharaab karega, yahi duniya tujhe gaali degi.’ (Don’t pay attention to what others say. When you’ll be performing well, the entire world will be with you, and when you won’t, they’ll abuse you),” stated Siraj, as quoted by Indian Express.
Siraj commented on the volatile personality of the cricket society in reference to support of players. He went on to disclose that he only listens to what his people deem important and he has learned to shut out the noise.
“Yes, the trolling was bad. When you perform, the fans and the world will be with you and say, ‘There is no bowler like Siraj.’ In the next game, if you don’t perform, they will say, ‘Arey, what sort of bowler is this? Go and ride the auto with your father – what’s the point of this? You are a hero in one match and zero in another (smiles). People change that quickly? I decided that I don’t need outside opinion and validation. What my teammates and family think of me is important, people who matter. I don’t care what others think.”
Mohammed Siraj
Siraj has improved steadily since making his Men in Blue debut. He is now a member of India’s red-ball team for their home Test series against the West Indies. Siraj has made significant progress to become one of the unit’s primary frontline pacers.
