'I Was Emotional': Mohammed Siraj Reflects On Returning To Bengaluru After Joining GT
Siraj returned to the Chinnaswamy on Wednesday, with a vengeance against his former side in Gujarat Titans’ colors, and registered a blistering 3/15 to set up an eight-wicket victory.
A return home is always impactful and emotional. GT’s Mohammed Siraj admitted to the same, stating the memories took him aback. Yet, his impactful spell against his old club RCB rendered them powerless and forced them to slump to an 8-wicket defeat to Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025 on Wednesday.
Mohammed Siraj was released by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after spending seven seasons at the franchise.
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On top of that, Siraj was dealt with yet another setback: missing out on making it to the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 which they went on to win.
Despite all challenges and emotions, Siraj returned to the Chinnaswamy on Wednesday, with a vengeance against his former side in Gujarat Titans’ colors, and registered a blistering 3/15 to set up an eight-wicket victory.
“I was a bit emotional. I was here for 7 years, then I changed my jersey from red to blue," Siraj admitted whilst picking up the Player of the Match award.
“But once I got the ball in my hands, I was fine… My mindset was to have belief."
He sure was, as he went on a rampage, dismissing fiery opener Phil Salt, top-order ace Devdutt Padikkal, and the dangerman Liam Livingstone, en route to the end of his sizzling spell.
When asked about his unique celebration for each wicket, Siraj sheepishly replied: " I am Cristiano Ronaldo’s fan, hence the celebration."
Siraj also shed light on the help he had garnered from GT head coach Ashish Nehra and veteran pacer Ishant Sharma: both of whom aided in clearing his head and finding his rhythm ahead of the new IPL 2025 season.
“I had been playing consistently, but during the break, I corrected my mistakes and worked on my fitness. Once I was picked up by Gujarat Titans, I spoke to Ashish Bhai. He (Nehra) tells me to go enjoy my bowling and Ishu (Ishant) Bhai tells me what line and length to bowl," Siraj stated.
With their win, GT rose to fourth in the IPL 2025 standings, right behind RCB who suffered a drop from the top spot and are now down to third place.
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