[Watch] Mohammed Siraj explains why he copies Cristiano Ronaldo’s trademark celebration

India pacer Mohammad Siraj recently opened up about copying Cristiano Ronaldo’s trademark celebration ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup Super-Eight clash against Afghanistan in Barbados on Thursday (June 20). The speedster revealed that he only celebrates like Ronaldo when he cleans up the batters and follows the football legend because he admires him for his fitness and never-give-up attitude.

Speaking to teammate Kuldeep Yadav in an ICC clip, Siraj said:

“I only do the Cristiano Ronaldo celebration when I clean bowl someone, then only I come up with that celebration, not for a catch or LBW."

"I do the Cristiano Ronaldo celebration because I like and admire him because of his work ethic, the routine that he follows, and the way he performs consistently. He always has a never-give-up attitude, his fitness and recovery. I like that kind of attitude.”

The Hyderabad-born pacer further rated Ronaldo as the greatest of all time ahead of Lionel Messi. He said:

“Obviously, Ronaldo is the best, GOAT all the time.”

Ronaldo has 895 goals in professional football, the most in the world. The Portuguese has represented some of the top clubs in European football, including Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Juventus. The Legendary player currently plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. The 39-year-old is representing 2016 champions Portugal in the ongoing 2024 European Championship in Germany.

On the other hand, Messi has 837 goals in professional football, the second most in the world. He has played for top-flight football clubs like Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain. The 36-year-old is currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). The legendary player won the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2021 Copa America with Argentina. He will captain La Albiceleste at Copa America 2024, beginning with a game against Canada on June 20.

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Irfan Pathan leaves out Mohammed Siraj for Kuldeep Yadav in his India playing XI vs Afghanistan

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has left out Mohammed Siraj from his India playing XI to accommodate Kuldeep Yadav in the 2024 T20 World Cup Super-Eight clash against Afghanistan on Thursday.

Kuldeep is yet to play a match in the ICC event, while Siraj has managed two wickets in three group-stage matches. The pacer returned wicketless in his last two outings against arch-rivals Pakistan and co-hosts USA.

Irfan Pathan's India playing XI vs Afghanistan: Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh.