Premier fast bowler Mohammed Siraj reflected on his emotional return to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where he played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for seven years before being signed by Gujarat Titans in the 2025 IPL Mega Auction. This time, he took the field in a blue jersey, marking a significant change from his long stint with RCB.
Siraj delivered an exceptional performance, taking three wickets for just 19 runs in his four-over spell, leading Gujarat Titans to victory over his former franchise. His dominant bowling earned him the Player of the Match title as he stunned the Chinnaswamy crowd with his lethal deliveries.
An Emotional Return to Chinnaswamy
Siraj played a crucial role for RCB from 2018 to 2024, participating in 87 matches and claiming 83 wickets at an average of 31.45, with his best bowling figures being 4/21. Despite his consistent performances, RCB made the bold decision not to retain him ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, allowing Gujarat Titans to sign him.
After the match, Siraj admitted that playing at his former home ground in different colors was a bittersweet experience.
Siraj wreaked havoc in the powerplay, dismissing Devdutt Padikkal and Phil Salt early in the innings. His intensity was evident as he celebrated in Cristiano Ronaldo’s signature ‘Siu’ style, showcasing his admiration for the football legend.
Improving Fitness & Mentorship from Ashish Nehra & Ishant Sharma
After missing out on the Champions Trophy squad, Siraj utilized the break to focus on refining his bowling technique and improving his fitness.
Playing under Ashish Nehra at Gujarat Titans has also been a learning experience for Siraj, who credited his coach and senior teammate Ishant Sharma for their valuable guidance.
With his stellar comeback, Siraj has sent a strong message to his critics, proving that he remains a key player in the IPL and a force to be reckoned with.