Star Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj revealed how former captain MS Dhoni’s words motivated him to deal with the troll in the starting of his international cricket career. Siraj opened up about the trolling
he faced during the initial days of his career with Team India and in the Indian Premier League. The fast bowler also revealed that some of the trollers also abused his late father’s profession.
However, Mohammed Siraj said that Dhoni’s advice was crucial for him when he joined the Indian team. The former captain advised the fast bowler to not get affected by the trolls. “I remember when I joined the India team, MS Dhoni had told me, ‘Kisi ki baaton mein nahin aana. Jab tu acha karega, toh poori duniya tumhare saath rahegi, aur jab kharaab karega, yahi duniya tujhe gaali degi.’ (Don’t pay attention to what others say. When you are performing well, the entire world will be with you, and when you aren’t, they will abuse you),” Siraj told Express Sports.
I don’t care what others think: Mohammed Siraj
Speaking further, Mohammed Siraj also revealed that MS Dhoni advised him how the perception of the fans gets changed according to the player’s performance. The fast bowler also acknowledged the advice and decided not to affect himself by the outside noises and focus on his game. Siraj is currently in action in the ongoing home Test series against West Indies. He will also be seen in the upcoming ODI series in Australia starting on October 19.
“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, ‘Arre, what sort of bowler is this. Jaake apne baap ke saath auto chalao’ (go and ride the auto with your father) — what’s the point of this? You are 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,” Siraj said.
