Mohammed Siraj returned to M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in different colors and delivered a remarkable performance, earning him the Player of the Match award with figures of 3/19.
Siraj was released by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, which drew some backlash from fans. Many believed that RCB might try to reacquire him during the auction. However, the Gujarat Titans secured him for 12.25 crores.
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This marked the end of Siraj's seven-year journey with the Royal Challengers Bangalore. He expressed his emotions upon returning to his favorite stadium during the post-match ceremony.
"I was a bit emotional. I was here for seven years, changing my jersey from red to blue. There was some nervousness and emotion, but the moment I got the ball in my hand, it was all on," Siraj said after receiving the Player of the Match award.
Siraj's return was both dramatic and emotional. During one of his deliveries to Virat Kohli, he pulled up in his run-up. On the next ball, Kohli hit a four off him. However, Siraj quickly regrouped and bowled with a tighter line to Kohli.
Also Read: Watch Virat Kohli give ex-RCBian Mohammed Siraj a heartwarming hug ahead of RCB vs GT Clash
Siraj has a notable history with Phil Salt in the IPL, characterized by on-field confrontations. This time, Salt struck Siraj with a massive 105-meter six. In response, Siraj made a comeback with a full delivery that hit the stumps, followed by a "Siuuu" celebration to the delight of the Bengaluru crowd.
After dismissing Salt, Siraj also took the wicket of the dependable Devdutt Padikkal, claiming two wickets in the powerplay. Later, he returned to bowl at the death and dismissed the dangerous Liam Livingstone, who scored 54 runs off 40 balls. Siraj's three wickets significantly shaped the match and gave the Gujarat Titans the advantage as they chased down a below-par total of 170 in just 18 overs, with Jos Buttler top-scoring with 73 runs off 39 balls.
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Overall, it was an emotional yet successful return for Siraj in Bengaluru. Despite his feelings, he managed to hold back his emotions and delivered a match-winning bowling performance for the Gujarat Titans.
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