Mohammed Siraj delivered a poignant and stellar performance at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, claiming 3 wickets for 19 runs against his former team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), while representing Gujarat Titans. The 31-year-old pacer, who spent seven years with RCB from 2018 to 2024, was awarded the Player of the Match in his first appearance at the venue in the Titans’ blue jersey, a stark contrast to RCB’s iconic red.
Siraj’s spell in the powerplay was nothing short of spectacular, dismissing key batsmen Devdutt Padikkal and Phil Salt. His celebrations were marked by the iconic Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘siu’ gesture, a nod to his admiration for the football legend. During his tenure with RCB, Siraj played in 87 matches, taking 83 wickets at an average of 31.45, with his best figures being 4/21. The franchise’s decision not to retain him ahead of the 2025 mega auction marked a significant turning point in his career.
Reflecting on his emotional return, Siraj shared, “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.” His candidness about his feelings resonated with fans and fellow cricketers alike.
When questioned about his unique celebration, Siraj simply stated, “I am Ronaldo’s fan and hence the celebration.” This blend of sportsmanship and personal flair added a layer of relatability to his performance.
Siraj utilized his absence from the Champions Trophy squad as an opportunity for growth. “I had been playing consistently, but during the break I corrected my mistakes and worked on my fitness,” he explained, showcasing his dedication to continuous improvement.
At Gujarat Titans, Siraj has found valuable mentorship under Ashish Nehra and alongside the 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, highlighting the supportive environment that has contributed to his success.