Representing the nation gives me all the energy I need: Siraj

Mohammed Siraj has bowled relentlessly in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Having featured in all three Tests so far, he has claimed 13 wickets, becoming one of India’s standout performers in the series.

However, as he gears up for the fourth Test at Old Trafford, it’s playing for the country that keeps him going. “There’s no real secret. When you play for your country, that in itself is the biggest motivation,” Siraj said on Monday.

“Representing the nation gives me all the energy I need. My only aim is to give 100% on the field so that when I go back and rest at night, I don’t have regrets like ‘I could’ve done this’ or ‘I missed that.’ Results can go either way — but I must always give my best.”

With Jasprit Bumrah playing just two matches so far, Siraj has bowled 109 overs in the series, but he is not too worried about his workload. “God has kept me in good health. The record books will show that Siraj has bowled this much or that much, but my only aim is to play as many games as possible for the country and help the team win,” he said.

Siraj wants to keep contributing to the team’s success. However, he hasn’t set any targets for himself. “I’m bowling really well, but sometimes luck doesn’t favor you. Every bowler wants a wicket every time they bowl. I tell myself that even if I don’t get wickets today, I’ll get them in the next match. I believe God is watching my effort — he got me here, and he’ll take me further. So I stay patient,” he said.

“I do get frustrated when I’m beating the bat again and again and not getting wickets, but I stay grounded and keep doing my job.”

Siraj also added that Bumrah will play at Old Trafford. “Jassi bhai toh khelenge hi (Bumrah will definitely play). That’s what I know.”