Star Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj has revealed the valuable advice former Indian cricketer MS Dhoni gave him in their first interaction with each other. Siraj, who made his India debut in November 2017,
recounted how Dhoni had warned him to not pay heed to outsiders' opinions on 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 remarked the fickle nature of the cricket community when it comes to backing players. He concluded by admitting that he only pays attention to what his near-and-dear ones think and has learned how to block 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," he added.
Siraj has grown from strength to strength ever since he debuted for the Men in Blue. He is currently a part of India's red-ball squad for the ongoing Test series against West Indies at home. Siraj has come a long way to become one of the main frontline pacers of the unit.
