'Off the field, he would be talking very nicely, but on the ground, he treats the opponents like enemies.'
Team India pacer Mohammed Siraj has always acknowledged the crucial role batting maestro Virat Kohli played in shaping his career. Kohli has acted as Siraj's mentor and guide, backing him through tough times and giving him his Test debut.
Despite Siraj moving to Gujarat Titans from RCB and facing Kohli in IPL matches, their bond remains strong, evidenced by their warm interactions during practice sessions.
Siraj, known as a workhorse due to his dedication, intensity, and ability to perform under pressure, has revealed how his approach towards the game changed after he started playing alongside Kohli.
In a chat with Boria Majumdar at Revsportz, Siraj said it was Kohli who taught him to treat opponents like enemies on the field and friends off it.
"I have learned this one particular thing from Virat Kohli, and that is his fighting approach. Off the field, he would be talking very nicely, but on the ground, he treats the opponents like enemies. I like this thing about him. And I always like to be aggressive. If I do not show that on the ground, I would not be able to bowl well. I have been with Virat Kohli at RCB and have had a good bonding with him. Fast bowlers should have aggression on the field, and Virat shows more aggression on the field than any bowler."
Siraj recalled one particular incident when his aggressive nature helped the team get out of a hole. During the fifth and final Test at The Oval recently, England, chasing 374 to seal the five-match series 3-1, were in a commanding position with Joe Root and Harry Brook scoring runs rapidly.
"When Root and Brook were gong strong, I encouraged everyone, and suddenly we got a breakthrough in the form of Root's wicket. Another thing I learned from Virat is to get the crowd on our side. Crowd support can make a big difference and get the bowler flying with confidence," he added.
During the tour of England, Siraj ended as India's leading wicket-taker with 23 scalps, with two five-wicket hauls including a stunning spell at The Oval, where he, along with Prasidh Krishna, turned the match on its head to bowl England out for 367. The series ended in a 2-2 draw.