Mourning the loss of his father while being away from family, Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj said that skipper Virat Kohli’s guidance to “be strong” has assisted him stay afloat as he prepares for upcoming challenging series against Australia.

Kohli also had to overcome the personal tragedy. In 2007, Kohli, then a teenager, lost his father while playing in the middle of a Ranji Trophy match and carrying out his professional duties. But he made a come back next day to score 97 for Delhi, presenting his mental fortitude.

Last week, Siraj’s 53-year-old father Mohammed Ghouse died due to a lung ailment in Hyderabad. Despite Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) providing him the option to return home, the fast bowler decided to be on national duty.

On the sidelines of India’s training session, the 26-year-old Siraj told bcci.tv, “Virat bhai said ‘Miyaan tension maat le (don’t be tense) and be strong. Your dad wanted you to play for India. So, do that and don’t stress.”

“The skipper told me, ‘If you can be strong in this situation, it will only help you’. So those were positive words from the Indian captain and it felt nice,” he added. 

During his formative years as a cricketer, Siraj’s father drove auto-rickshaw and has been the single biggest inspiration on the Hyderabad man.

“It’s a huge loss for me as he was the biggest support system of my life. He wanted me to shine for my country and its my aim is to fulfil his dreams,” he said.

Siraj thanked his teammates, who have rallied around him.

“I am indebted to my teammates as they stood by me in these tough times and every thing was well taken care of,” he further said.

Siraj said even his mother advised him not to renounce the series, which begins with the limited-overs leg from November 27.

“Mom said that everyone has to go one day. Today, it’s your dad, tomorrow it will be me. Just do what your dad wished for you. Play well for India. May be, he is not physically present but I can feel that he is always there with me,” Siraj mentioned.