Mohammed Siraj, who was the hero for India in the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England, provided some insights about the bond he shares with his former captain Virat Kohli. In an exclusive interview with Revsportz, Siraj emphasised that being aggressive on the field was something that he imbibed from Kohli.
“I’ve learned this one particular thing from Virat Kohli, and that is his fighting approach in the game,” Siraj told Revsportz. “Off the field, he would be talking very nicely, but on the ground, the opposition is the enemy for him. I like this thing about him. And my bowling comes from aggression. If I do not show that on ground, I won’t be able bowl well. I have been with Virat Kohli in RCB (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) and have had a good bonding with him. Fast bowlers should have aggression on field, and Virat Kohli has more aggression on field than bowlers.”
Siraj was excellent in England, emerging as the highest wicket taker of the series, taking 23 wickets in five matches, including two fifers, with the best bowling figures of 6/70 in an innings.
The 31-year-old pacer also said that he learned to gather crowd support from Kohli.
“In that last Test at The Oval, when Brook and Root were having a good partnership, we had a bit of a shoulder-dropping moment,” Siraj said, adding, “But then, I encouraged everyone and we went ahead to get the upper hand in the form of the wicket of Root. I have also learned to take crowd support from Virat. Support of the crowd, for a bowler, can make a big difference and get the bowler flying with confidence.”
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