Siraj credits Arun for success

It’s a dream come true for Mohammed Siraj.

“Yes, I just can’t explain my joy. This is the biggest day of my career — getting selected for the Test team is one thing I have been wanting for the last one year,” said the 24-year-old Hyderabad fast bowler, after being included in the squad for the series against West Indies on Saturday.

In an exclusive chat with

The Hindu , Siraj, who has had a terrific run with the India A squad, including two 10-plus-wicket hauls against South Africa and Australia A recently, credits India bowling coach B. Arun for his success.

“I should not talk big, but I was just hoping that my consistent performances would help me an opportunity to play Tests too as I have been doing well in all the four-day games,” said Siraj, now playing for Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Delhi.

“Yes, every time I have something to sort out or to look for moral support, I speak to Arun Sir and he has been a huge source of encouragement always,” said Siraj.

Arun, incidentally, was the Hyderabad coach when the pace bowler took 41 wickets in the previous Ranji season.

“I don’t think there is a big change in my bowling or attitude. Yes, the desire has always been to give my best for whichever team I play. I am glad that all the hard work is paying off now,” said Siraj who already played for India in T20 Internationals last year.

“My philosophy is pretty simple. Make optimum use of the chances that come your way. Definitely, playing for India-A teams with Dravid Sir as the coach has been a huge learning curve for me,” said Siraj.

“Well, there can be no better joy for a player than to play in front of your home crowd and I hope that will happen if I am picked for the second Test against the West Indies in Hyderabad (from October 12),” said an emotional Siraj.