Mohammed Siraj Reflects on Emotional Transition to Gujarat Titans
Siraj's Emotional Journey with Gujarat Titans
New Delhi [India], March 25: Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj expressed that donning the Gujarat Titans jersey for the first time was a deeply emotional experience for him, especially after spending seven years with RCB.
“Wearing the Gujarat Titans jersey for the first time was incredibly emotional for me, given my seven-year journey with RCB. However, as we enter a new season, I don’t feel like I’m in a different team. The atmosphere here is fantastic. I have performed exceptionally well at the Narendra Modi Stadium for the past two years. The pitch here is favorable for fast bowlers,” Siraj mentioned in a video shared by IPL.
He also addressed his exclusion from India's squad for the Champions Trophy.
“Playing for the national team builds confidence, and every player aspires to participate in an ICC event. Initially, I found it hard to accept my omission, but Rohit Bhai made the best decision for the team. His experience is invaluable, and he recognized that spinners would play a crucial role in Dubai, which influenced his choice. During this break, I focused on enhancing my fitness and bowling, and I felt great; we won the ICC Champions Trophy,” Siraj added.
After a season with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2017, where he claimed 10 wickets in six matches, Siraj was acquired by RCB for Rs 2.6 crore. He played 87 matches for RCB, taking 83 wickets at an average of 31.45, with his best performance being 4/21.
Siraj ranks as RCB's third-highest wicket-taker, following Harshal Patel (99) and Yuzvendra Chahal (139). Throughout his tenure with RCB, he reached the playoffs four times but did not secure a title. The 2023 season marked his most successful year with RCB, as he achieved 19 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 19.74, with his best figures being 4/21.
In the previous season, Siraj took 15 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 33.07. RCB experienced a significant turnaround in the latter half of the season, going from just one win in their first eight matches to winning six consecutive games, which earned them a playoff spot.
They were ultimately eliminated by the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the eliminator. Siraj's last competitive match was against Vidarbha in January, where he took four wickets across both innings in their Ranji Trophy clash.