GT vs PBKS, IPL 2025: New franchise, New beginnings, Siraj expresses his emotions

Mohammed Siraj who played a very crucial role in the bowling attack for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) till the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, will be donning a new jersey this season. Siraj will be seen playing his first match for Gujarat Titans on Tuesday. Talking about playing for the new team after a long span, Siraj expressed his feelings.

"I got very emotional when I wore the (Gujarat Titans) jersey for the first time. Having played for seven years for RCB, suddenly wearing another jersey got me emotional, initially. However, it doesn't feel like I have entered into a new franchise. The environment and freedom here are great for a player. And I am really excited about it, " he expressed in a video released on the IPL website.

Siraj's IPL Journey

Siraj made his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the year 2017 when he scalped 10 wickets in the six matches that he played. He registered a four-wicket haul in the season and ended with best bowling figures of 4/32. He then joined RCB in 2018 and played for the team for seven years before joining the Gujarat squad in 2025. He was picked by GT for ₹12.25 crore.

In his IPL career so far, Siraj has done impressive bowling and has taken 93 wickets in the 93 matches and has an economy of 8.65. His best bowling figures were registered when he played for RCB in 2023.

Siraj's Performance for RCB

Total Innings: 87

Wickets taken: 83

Economy: 8.60

BBM: 4/21

Maidens: 4

Siraj on Champions Trophy Omission

Siraj, also reflected on his omission from India's 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy, despite his consistent role in the national setup. He said, "It is a completely different feeling when you play for your country. A professional player wants to represent his country in an ICC event and win at least one title during his career. Rohit Bhai did what was best for the team. Given the conditions in Dubai, I knew fast bowlers wouldn’t be as involved, and spinners would play a bigger role."

He further added, "I utilized the break that I got after playing for a long time. I focused on my fitness, bowling, and spending time with my family."

Talking about the future, the Hyderabad pacer said, "I want to be in the present and don't want to take the burden by thinking much about the future. I just want to be positive."

Siraj's new start

Talking about his current team, Siraj expressed that he is glad Gujarat has fast bowlers like Prasidh Krishna, Kagiso Rabada, and himself. He also praised Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra, "He treats us as friends and we share a very good bond with him. He treats me like a younger brother." He also expressed t

Siraj looked geared up for his new beginnings as he ended the video with "Rest, we will watch on the field."