An emotional Mohammed Siraj drove straight from the airport to the graveyard and paid his last respects to his father Mohammed Ghouse, on his return to Hyderabad on Thursday from a successful tour of Australia with the national cricket team.
Mohammed Ghouse, who had wanted to see his son play at the highest level for India, had died on November 20 last year, about a week after the fast bowler landed in Australia with the Indian team. Siraj was advised by family members to stay back with the team and play on, as his father would have wanted.
He did, and played a key role in India’s historic series win, taking 13 wickets — the most by an Indian bowler — in three Tests, including a five-wicket haul in the fourth and final game in Brisbane.
Siraj laid flowers at his father’s grave and offered prayers before heading for his home in Toli Chowki.
Later, speaking to reporters at his residence, the 26-year-old said he had pointed to the sky after taking 5 for 73…