Jaao Auto Chalao": India Pacer Mohammed Siraj Reveals Painful Messages From Internet Trolls

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has opened up about the dark side of fame — the online trolling and harsh criticism that often come with being a professional athlete.

Fresh from his incredible performances during India’s 2025 tour of England, where he picked up 23 wickets in five Tests, including a match-winning spell at The Oval, Siraj reflected on how quickly fans’ opinions can change.

Once celebrated as a hero, Siraj recalled being trolled and insulted after just one poor performance.

“When you perform well, the whole world praises you — ‘There isn’t a bowler like Siraj!’ But the moment you have a bad game, they say, ‘Areh, yeh kaisa bowler hai? Jaao auto chalao!’ (‘What kind of bowler is this? Go drive an auto’),” Siraj said in an interview with The Indian Express Idea Exchange.
“In one match, you’re a hero; in the next, you’re a zero. How can people change so fast?”

Siraj revealed that such comments used to affect him deeply, but over time, he learned to focus only on the opinions of his family and teammates.

“I realized I don’t need outside validation. What matters to me is what my family and teammates think of me,” he said.

Born in Hyderabad to humble beginnings — his late father was an auto rickshaw driver — Siraj’s journey has been one of perseverance, hard work, and self-belief. His rise from the streets of Hyderabad to becoming one of India’s leading pacers is an inspiration to millions.

Siraj’s outstanding performances in England earned him global praise, joining legends like Kapil Dev and Jasprit Bumrah as one of the few Indian pacers to take 20 or more wickets in multiple Test series.

Currently ranked 15th in the ICC Test bowling rankings, the 31-year-old continued his fine form by taking seven wickets in India’s emphatic win against the West Indies in Ahmedabad earlier this October.

Despite the criticism, Siraj remains grounded and focused — a true example of determination and humility.