Ex India Coach Reveals When Siraj Started Prep for England Tour
The Indian cricket team’s tour of England was a remarkable one, with Mohammed Siraj emerging as one of the standout performers. The young pacer’s impressive display in the five-Test series caught many by surprise, and his ability to adapt to the challenging English conditions was one of the key factors in India’s success. But what was the turning point that gave Siraj the strength to play all five Tests in England? Former India strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai has revealed in a video that the ICC Champions Trophy snub was the catalyst that spurred Siraj to start preparing for the grueling tour.
The video, uploaded by former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, features Desai sharing some interesting insights into Siraj’s preparation and mindset leading up to the England tour. According to Desai, the conversation with Siraj about his preparation began immediately after he was left out of the Champions Trophy squad.
“When he was not picked for Champions Trophy, the conversation took place then,” Desai said in the video. This suggests that Siraj was already thinking about his preparation for the England tour even before the Champions Trophy snub, but it was the omission that gave him the motivation to intensify his training.
Desai’s revelation sheds light on the importance of mental preparation in a cricketer’s career. Siraj’s omission from the Champions Trophy squad would have been a huge blow to any player, but instead of letting it get to him, he used it as a motivation to work harder and prove himself. This is a testament to Siraj’s mental toughness and his ability to stay focused on his goals.
The India coach’s words also highlight the importance of having a strong support system in place. Desai’s conversation with Siraj shows that the young pacer had a clear plan in place to prepare for the England tour, and he was given the guidance and support he needed to achieve his goals.
Siraj’s preparation for the England tour was not without its challenges, however. The Indian team had to deal with a grueling summer schedule, with five Tests in as many weeks, followed by a white-ball series against Pakistan. The team’s physios and support staff had to work tirelessly to ensure that the players were fit and ready for each match, and Siraj was no exception.
In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, praised Siraj’s dedication and hard work, saying: “Siraj has been working really hard, and his fitness levels have improved significantly. He’s been putting in a lot of extra effort, and it’s paid off for him.”
Dravid’s words are a testament to Siraj’s dedication and perseverance. Despite the challenges he faced, Siraj remained committed to his goal of playing all five Tests in England, and his hard work paid off in the end.
Siraj’s success in England was not just about his individual performance, however. It was also about the team’s ability to adapt to the challenging conditions and come out on top. India’s victory in the series was a testament to the team’s strength and resilience, and Siraj’s contribution was a key factor in their success.
In conclusion, Soham Desai’s revelation about Siraj’s preparation for the England tour is a testament to the importance of mental preparation and support in a cricketer’s career. Siraj’s omission from the Champions Trophy squad was a setback, but he used it as a motivation to work harder and prove himself. His success in England is a testament to his dedication and perseverance, and it is a reminder that even the toughest challenges can be overcome with the right mindset and support.
