Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj's father died in November last year while he was in Australia for the Border Gavaskar series. He had decided to stay back with the team due to quarantine protocols despite being given the option of returning home by the BCCI.

In a recent interview with a news agency, Siraj has opened up about the time he was crying in his hotel room over the depression of his father's passing and how Virat Kohli motivated him throughout. The 27-year-old bowler was quoted as saying, "He (Virat Kohli) has supported me through thick and thin. He has always been there for me and in all circumstances. I still remember how I was crying in the hotel room. Virat bhaiya (brother) came into my room and hugged me tightly and said - 'I am with you, don't worry.' Those words encouraged me a lot. He (Virat) played just one Test on the tour but his messages and calls motivated me. And that's why I could perform. In fact, I didn't have a good season with RCB in the past two years. But he was always there to support me. He has backed me a lot."

After playing three Test matches against Australia in the series, Mohammed Siraj emerged as India's leading wicket taker with 13 wickets in total. "I had lost my father during the Australia series. I was shattered and not really in my senses. It was Virat bhaiya who gave me strength and support. I owe my career to him," the bowler added.