Mohammed Siraj has enjoyed a strong run of form lately, capped by his standout performances during the West Indies Test series, where he picked up seven wickets across two innings.
But behind the fast bowler's confidence lies a lesson he learned early in his India career - one that came from none other than MS Dhoni.
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Speaking to Express Sports, Siraj opened up about how Dhoni's advice shaped his mindset and helped him stay calm through the highs and lows of international cricket.
MS Dhoni's advice that changed Mohammed Siraj's mindset
Siraj recalled a piece of guidance from Dhoni that has stayed with him ever since his debut days. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter, known for his composure, had told the young pacer not to get carried away by praise or criticism.
"I remember when I joined the India team, MS Dhoni told me, 'Don’t pay attention to what others say. When you perform well, everyone will be with you. When you don't, the same people will abuse you,'" Siraj said.
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He credited Dhoni for helping him develop the mental toughness needed to handle public scrutiny and focus only on what truly matters - his game and his team.
Mohammed Siraj slams double standards from fans
The 31-year-old also spoke candidly about the flip side of fame: how fans can turn against players after just one poor performance.
"Yes, the trolling was bad. When you perform, people say there is no bowler like you. But if you fail once, they will say, 'Go ride the auto with your father.' You are a hero in one match and a zero in the next," he added.
Siraj said such experiences made him realize that external opinions can't define him anymore.
"People change that quickly? I decided I don't need outside validation. What my teammates and family think matters. I don't care what others think," he said.
Having brushed off the negativity, Siraj is now focused on India's upcoming ODI series in Australia, starting October 19.
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