Mohammed Siraj bowled a stunning spell during the IPL 2025 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans, but his path to this summit has not been easy. The pace bowler conceded that being omitted from India's team for the upcoming Champions Trophy was a bitter pill to swallow.
Siraj, who took an impressive 4/17 to assist GT in achieving a comfortable seven-wicket win, spoke about his psychological and emotional struggle during the post-match ceremony. "At one point, I was not able to accept it (not being selected for the Champions Trophy)," he admitted. "But I maintained my morale and focused on my fitness and game."
Intent on coming back, the pacer was committed to rectifying errors. "Whatever errors I was committing, I worked on those and I'm enjoying bowling," he maintained.
Having been a familiar face in the Indian squad, Siraj conceded that being dropped had bred doubt. "As a professional, when you are always with the Indian team, a doubt will creep into your mind (on him being dropped)," he recounted. "But I pep-talked myself and was looking forward to the IPL."
His comeback to form was even more delicious with his parents present at the ground. "When you arrive at your home stadium, it is a special sensation. My family was there in the audience and that buoyed me up," stated Siraj. "I have played seven years with RCB. I have worked diligently on my bowling and even on my attitude, it's working really well for me."
Looking back on his strategy, Siraj stressed implementation. "When you implement what you are attempting to supply, you remain on top. When you pass the ball both in and out and it functions naturally, it provides a different sensation."
Batting first, Sunrisers Hyderabad scored a total of 152/8. The Gujarat Titans bowlers dominated the proceedings, leaving a smooth chase for their team.
Gill Commends Bowlers' Contribution
Skipper Shubman Gill, who scored an unbeaten 61 off 43 balls and guided the team, praised the efforts of the bowlers, describing them as the real game-changers in T20 cricket. "Bowlers are game-changers, particularly in this format," Gill said. "Lots of people discuss T20s, batting and hitting, but we believe that matches are won by bowlers and that's why there is a lot of focus on bowlers (in this franchise)."
He also complimented Washington Sundar, who impressed in his first game for the Titans. "He (Washington) was very close (to playing) in the game against Mumbai. He was padded the entire game," Gill said, alluding to the leeway provided by the impact player rule.
Gill emphasized the value of partnerships in the pursuit. "It was all about a good partnership, and we told each other that once we are ready, we will take it from there."
Regarding Siraj's impact, he further noted, "The energy he possesses is immense. Playing against him, you wish him in your side. His energy is catching."
Washington Sundar and Cummins Reflect
Washington Sundar revealed that his captain’s instructions were simple—bat deep and see the team through. “Skipper kept telling me to play as deep as possible. Got off to a good start and wanted to bat as deep as possible and finish for the team,” he said.
He also identified a Hyderabad pitch trend. "This has been the Hyderabad trend in the last couple of years. In the second innings, the wicket improves and becomes easy to chase 160-170 on the board. I was fully aware of it and it favored me."
SRH captain Pat Cummins commended the challenging pitch conditions and the opposing team's batting. "Not a typical Hyderabad wicket, hard to find fluency in your innings," he mentioned. "At the backend, it didn't spin as much as we expected. A few (runs) short and they batted well."
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