Mohammed Siraj is set to embark on a fresh journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as he gears up for his first season with Gujarat Titans (GT) after spending years as a key bowler for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Since joining RCB in 2018, Mohammed Siraj had been an integral part of the franchise’s bowling attack, and his transition to a new team brings a mix of emotions, particularly due to his deep bond with RCB and Virat Kohli.
Reflecting on his time with RCB, Mohammed Siraj credited Virat Kohli for playing a crucial role in his development, especially during his difficult early years in the IPL. The pacer acknowledged that Kohli stood by him in his struggles, offering unwavering support that helped him find his rhythm in professional cricket.
“To be honest, Virat Kohli has a huge hand in my career. He backed me in my tough times – in 2018 and 2019 – when I was struggling. He supported me, even ensured I was retained. That backing gave me the confidence I needed, and from there, my performances improved. It has been very emotional to leave RCB. Let’s see how it feels when I face them on April 2,” Mohammed Siraj told ANI.
During his tenure with RCB, Mohammed Siraj emerged as one of the franchise’s most reliable pacers, becoming their third-highest wicket-taker. Over 87 matches, he took 83 wickets at an average of 31.45, with a best performance of 4/21. His standout IPL season came in 2023, where he claimed 19 wickets in 14 matches at an impressive average of 19.74 and an economy rate of 7.50. Despite his consistent efforts, both he and RCB remained in pursuit of the elusive IPL title.
Now, as Mohammed Siraj trains with Gujarat Titans, he is embracing the challenge of a new team and is optimistic about contributing to their bowling unit. The Titans, who won the IPL title in their debut season in 2022 and reached the final in 2023, have built a strong reputation for their well-rounded squad.
“My training is going well with all the pacers in the team. Our bowling unit understands how to strategize and execute our plans. I feel good training with my new teammates and being part of Gujarat Titans,” he said.
Gujarat Titans, under the leadership of Shubman Gill, will be looking to bounce back after a tough 2024 season where they finished eighth with just five wins in 14 matches. With Mohammed Siraj’s inclusion, the team hopes to bolster its pace attack and reclaim its status as a top contender for the championship.
