Former Team India opener Virender Sehwag lauded Gujarat Titans (GT) pacer Mohammed Siraj for his performance against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that his exclusion from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad may have fueled his fiery spell.
Mohammed Siraj, after seven seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, delivered a match-winning performance against his former team. The pacer dismantled RCB’s batting lineup with figures of 3/19 in four overs. His bowling set the tone for GT’s eight-wicket victory at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 2.
Mohammed Siraj Wasn’t Part of the Champions Trophy Squad – Virender Sehwag
In the post-match show on Cricbuzz, Virender Sehwag stated that an aggressive mindset is expected from Mohammed Siraj. Sehwag expressed hope that Siraj would maintain his intensity to make his comeback into the national cricket team.
“He has that fire. And somewhere, I feel he is hurt that he wasn’t part of the Champions Trophy squad, and I saw that fire. That’s what we expect from a young fast bowler. ‘Yeah, you didn’t pick me? Now I will show you.’ I hope he continues with the same intensity and makes a comeback in the Indian team,” Sehwag said (via Hindustan Times).
Mohammed Siraj Maintained His Record With the New Ball – Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag said that Siraj can swing the new ball. Sehwag added that if Siraj had bowled a fourth over in the same spell, he might have taken another wicket.
“He maintained his record with the new ball in Chinnaswamy. He gave away only 12 or 13 runs in the first three overs. He could’ve probably bowled the fourth over at the same time, too; he might have taken another wicket. He swings the new ball, and yesterday, he also got help from the wicket,” Sehwag added.
Bengaluru posted 169/8, with Liam Livingstone (54) and a late cameo from Tim David. In response, Gujarat Titans lost Shubman Gill early for 14, but Sai Sudharsan (49 off 36) and Jos Buttler (73* off 39) steadied the innings with a crucial 75-run stand. The Titans secured the win with 13 balls to spare.
Mohammed Siraj Showcases His Value After RCB’s Decision Not to Retain Him
The 31-year-old reminded Royal Challengers Bengaluru what they were missing after not retaining him. He dismissed Devdutt Padikkal and Phil Salt in his opening spell, leaving RCB struggling at 42/4 inside the powerplay.
Siraj, who was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his 3/19 spell, admitted feeling nervous facing his former team in Bengaluru. After being left out of India’s 2025 Champions Trophy squad, the pacer has taken five wickets in three matches at an average of 21.40.
GT secured back-to-back wins after their season-opening loss to Punjab Kings. The 2022 champions will next face SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday, April 6.
Gujarat Titans are currently in fourth place on the points table with four points from three matches. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are in the third spot with the same number of points but boast a higher net run rate.
Also read: Mohammed Siraj issues an official statement after destroying RCB in Bengaluru
