Mohammed Siraj pays heartfelt tribute as Soham Desai exits India cricket support staff

Soham Desai, the Indian men’s cricket team’s long-serving strength and conditioning coach, officially announced his departure on May 31 amid sweeping changes in the support staff following a disappointing Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign.

Among the most heartfelt tributes was from fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, who expressed his deep respect for Desai’s impact both professionally and personally. “It’s never easy to say goodbye to someone who’s been more than just a coach,” Siraj wrote on social media.

Desai’s exit marks the end of an era for the Indian team’s fitness and conditioning setup, which has been integral to player performance and injury management.

Since 2022, Siraj has been India’s most-used bowler among pacers, playing 80 international games and bowling 916.1 overs, 141 overs more than the second-most used bowler, Jasprit Bumrah. His tribute highlights the close bond between players and support staff.

The changes in the support staff come as the team looks to regroup and improve after the BGT campaign, signaling a new phase in India’s cricketing journey.

Siraj’s acknowledgment of Desai’s role underscores the importance of the often-unsung heroes behind the scenes who contribute to the team’s success and resilience.

“It’s never easy to say goodbye to someone who’s been more than just a coach,” Siraj’s words resonate with many in the cricket fraternity as Desai moves on.

This transition reflects the evolving dynamics within the Indian cricket team as it prepares for future challenges.

Mohammed Siraj paid a heartfelt tribute to Soham Desai, India men’s cricket team’s long-serving strength and conditioning coach, as Desai announced his exit amid major support staff changes following a disappointing Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign.