Siraj stops bowling midway to Kohli, shines with 3-19 against RCB

Mohammed Siraj had an emotional homecoming at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium when he faced his former team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), for the first time as a Gujarat Titans (GT) player. The moment got the better of him in the opening over as he aborted his first delivery to Virat Kohli midway through his run-up. The internet was quick to speculate that it was the weight of emotions that made Siraj hesitate, and the pacer later admitted that nerves played a role in his dramatic start.

"It was emotional because I played for seven years here (for RCB). There was some nervousness and some emotion but the moment I got the ball in my hand, it was full-on," Siraj said after the match.

Despite the initial hesitation, Siraj quickly found his rhythm and delivered a stellar performance, taking 3-19 in his four overs. He could have had a wicket in the first over itself had Jos Buttler not dropped Phil Salt. But Siraj didn’t let the early setback deter him, dismissing Devdutt Padikkal in his next over. He returned to clean up Salt with a stunning delivery after being hit for a huge six and later dismissed RCB's top scorer Liam Livingstone for 54.

RCB had released Siraj after the 2024 season, and Gujarat Titans secured him for $1.4 million in the IPL auction. Determined to justify his price tag, Siraj has picked up five wickets in three matches so far, displaying pace, accuracy, and determination.

Siraj credited GT head coach Ashish Nehra for helping him regain his rhythm and confidence. "I was playing matches consistently, so I was not realizing the mistakes I was making. During the break, I worked on my bowling and fitness. When I joined GT, Ashu bhai (Ashish Nehra) told me to enjoy my game, and the ball is coming out nicely now," he said.

Apart from Nehra, Siraj benefits from the experience of his bowling partners at GT, including Kagiso Rabada and Ishant Sharma. "I talk to them and get valuable feedback. As a bowler, self-belief is crucial. If you lack confidence, you start to panic when you get hit. I trust my skills, and that mindset helps me perform, no matter where I play," Siraj added.