Mohammed Siraj, the pace leader for the Gujarat Titans, admitted that he was still in shock at being left out of Team India’s Champions Trophy 2025 roster. After winning Player of the Match for the second time in a row in the 2025 Indian Premier League, the 31-year-old attributed his victory to the support of his family.
Despite deciding at the last minute to leave out Jasprit Bumrah because of an injury, the selectors had kept Siraj out of the Champions Trophy team. But when India won the Champions Trophy without losing, their choice to forego Mohammed Shami, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh was justified.
Siraj achieved critical success for GT when they defeated SunRisers Hyderabad during IPL 2025 on Sunday. The post-game presentation moment became difficult when Siraj admitted his disappointment about not making it to the Champions Trophy squad but decided to stay motivated by developing his abilities. He said:
“When you come to your home ground, it’s a special feeling. My family was there in the crowd and that lifted me up. I have played for seven years for RCB. I have worked hard on my bowling and also on my mindset, it’s working really well for me. At one time, I was not able to digest it but I kept my spirits up and worked on my fitness and game.”
Mohammed Siraj
The Titans purchased the new-ball bowler for ₹12.25 crore at the auction. The right-arm quick added four more wickets to his total against the SunRisers Hyderabad after taking three against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). In IPL history, the 4-0-17-4 haul turned out to be his best.
“When you execute what you are trying to deliver, you stay at the top” – Mohammed Siraj
According to the cricket player from Hyderabad, he has regained his old rhythm and ability to move the ball in both directions.
“Whatever mistakes I was making, I worked on those and I’m enjoying my bowling. As a professional, when you are consistently with the Indian team, a doubt grows in your mind. When you execute what you are trying to deliver, you stay at the top. When you move the ball both in and out and it works instinctively, it gives you a different feeling.”
Mohammed Siraj
In 16.4 overs and with seven wickets remaining, the Titans chased down the 153 needed to win. During the run-chase, Shubman Gill stood out with an undefeated 61.
