Debutant Mohammed Siraj, the right-arm fast bowler from Hyderabad, got emotional during the second T20I between India and New Zealand at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Saturday.
The son of an auto-rickshaw driver, Mohammed Siraj could not hold back his tears as soon as he stepped onto the field for the first time as a member of Indian Cricket Team’s playing XI donning the Indian jersey.
The incident happened just after the Indian national anthem.
https://twitter.com/CricketKaVideos/status/926809037588459520
As there were tears in Siraj’s eyes which narrated that nation is above religion, Twitter erupted in awe of the young cricketer.
Siraj, however, had a bad first day as he was plundered for many. Though his first dismissal was that of the Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson, Siraj conceded 53 runs in his 4 overs.
India lost by 40 runs chasing a tough target of 197 but still, the highlight moment of the match was the exhibition of emotions from Siraj’s eyes.
Here are some of the Twitter reactions:
When Nation is debating whether to stand for national anthem or not?
Tears in Mohammed Siraj eyes shows how true patriotic feels!#INDvNZ
— Boring… (@graphicalcomic) November 4, 2017
Son of auto driver Mohammed Siraj playing his first game for India. #NationalAthem plays in the stadium. Tears in his eyes. What a moment!
— Common Man (@CommonSense___) November 4, 2017
https://twitter.com/Mujibansari6/status/926824450346987520
https://twitter.com/JagratiShukla29/status/926823383471480832
Anyone who watched Mohammed Siraj getting into tears hearing Jana Gana Mana today, won't ever object standing for 52 seconds in the future. pic.twitter.com/wUOzNP8sTE
— Kiran Kumar S (@KiranKS) November 4, 2017
https://twitter.com/JagratiShukla29/status/926820242906648576
The national anthem gave tears to Mohammed Siraj. No hate-monger can take this moment away from him. Dil bole INDIA.#INDVSNZ
— Idle (@IdleSid) November 4, 2017
Very happy for the nippy Mohd Siraj as he realises his dream of playing for India.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 4, 2017
https://twitter.com/_SirJadeja/status/926833467899363328
Earlier, Siraj made it to the headlines after he was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017 for a whopping amount of Rs 2.6 crore.