Mohammed Siraj delivered an emotional performance at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, claiming 3 wickets for 19 runs against his former team Royal Challengers Bengaluru while playing for Gujarat Titans. The 31-year-old pacer, who spent seven years with RCB from 2018 to 2024, earned the Player of the Match award in his first appearance at the venue wearing Titans’ blue jersey instead of RCB’s red.
Siraj’s impressive spell in the powerplay included dismissals of Devdutt Padikkal and Phil Salt, celebrating with Cristiano Ronaldo’s signature ‘siu’ celebration.
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During his tenure with RCB, Siraj featured in 87 matches and took 83 wickets at an average of 31.45, with his best figures being 4/21. The franchise chose not to retain him ahead of the 2025 mega auction
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“I was a bit emotional. I was here for 7 years, changed jersey from red to blue. There was some nervousness and some emotion but the moment I got the ball in my hand, it was full-on,” Siraj said after receiving the Player of the Match award.
When asked about his celebration style, Siraj simply stated, “I am Ronaldo’s fan and hence the celebration.”
The pacer utilised his absence from the Champions Trophy squad as an opportunity to improve his game.
“I had been playing consistently, but during the break I corrected my mistakes and worked on my fitness,” he explained.
Siraj has found valuable mentorship at Gujarat Titans under Ashish Nehra and alongside experienced pacer Ishant Sharma.
“Once I was picked up by Gujarat Titans, I spoke to Ashish Bhai. He (Nehra) tells me to go enjoy your bowling and Ishu (Ishant) Bhai tells me what line and length to bowl. My mindset is to have belief and then the pitch does not matter,” Siraj shared.
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