IPL 2025: Mohammed Siraj Fires Up with Fiery Spell

Mohammed Siraj returned to form for Gujarat Titans with a match-winning session against his former team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Wednesday, and former teammates praised his efforts and attitude.

His 3-for-19 spell held RCB to 169 for 8, earning him the 'Player of the Match' honour.  Gujarat reached their target with 13 balls to spare, thanks to former England white-ball captain Jos Buttler's unbeaten 73 off 39 balls.

Siraj, 31, claimed the wickets of Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, and Liam Livingstone.  He has five wickets in three outings this season.

After being left out of India's Champions Trophy squad, Siraj appeared motivated to establish his worth to both national selectors and RCB management at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where he had previously played seven seasons in the IPL.

Siraj was released by RCB following the 2024 edition and was purchased by Gujarat for Rs 12.25 crore at the mega auction last November.

"It was emotional because I played for seven years here," Siraj said of his return to Bengaluru.  "There was some nervousness and some emotion, but the moment I got the ball in my hand, it was full on."

Gujarat claimed their second consecutive victory, while Bengaluru suffered their first loss of the season.

"Somewhere, I feel he is hurt that he wasn't part of the Champions Trophy squad, and I saw that fire," Sehwag told Cricbuzz.  "That's what we anticipate from a young fast bowler: 'Yeah, you didn't choose me?  "Now I'll show you."

Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said he could sense the anger in Siraj's body language.

"He bowled with real fire in his belly, led the attack with aggression, and bowled with some excellent pace," according to JioStar.

"(Siraj) was deservedly named 'Player of the Match'," Williamson said.  "While Jos Buttler was outstanding and back to his best in the second innings, Siraj set the tone early on, making a significant impact."