“You Need Chest Guard”: When MS Dhoni Teased India Star Upon Asking For Bat

India and Royal Challengers Bangalore pacer Mohammed Siraj recalled his first interplay with legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni. While talking on the newest episode of ‘Breakfast with Champions’, Siraj spoke in depth about his cricketing journey and his first response after assembly the likes of Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Siraj, who’s at present that includes for RCB in IPL 2023, made his debut within the cash-rich league in 2017, earlier than happening to make his India debut later that yr in a T20I in opposition to New Zealand.

Speaking on his first interplay with Dhoni, Siraj revealed how the previous India captain pulled his legs after he had requested for his bat.

“We were in Delhi and Mahi bhai was there holding his bat. All the youngsters were asking for his bat. I hesitated but ended up asking for his bat eventually. He jokingly said ‘Why do you need the bat and what would you do with it? You need a chest guard, I will get one for you.’ But he gave me his bat and said ‘If you make this bat better, I will give you two more,” Siraj instructed.

Siraj had raised many eyebrows when he was picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad on the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017 public sale for a whopping Rs 2.6 crore. His base value was Rs. 20 lakh.

Playing for the Hyderabad franchise, the 23-year-old performed six matches and claimed 10 wickets.

The RCB think-tank noticed sufficient potential within the teenager and purchased him on the IPL 2018 Player Auction for Rs 2.20 crore.

After making his T20I debut in 2017, Siraj needed to wait until 2019 for his ODI debut. In 2020, he made his Test debut in opposition to Australia throughout the Boxing-Day Test.

He is at present a part of the Indian crew throughout codecs.