Want to focus on present, enjoy my bowling: Siraj after breaching 100-wicket mark in IPL

ANI April 7, 2025 154 views

Mohammed Siraj has emerged as a pivotal force for Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2025 season after overcoming initial performance challenges. His remarkable comeback includes a stunning 4/17 spell that helped his team secure a comfortable seven-wicket victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Reaching the significant milestone of 100 IPL wickets, Siraj's performance was made even more special by his family's presence at his hometown venue. The 31-year-old remains focused on continuous improvement and enjoying his bowling journey.

"Every day, I want to learn something new. I want to focus on the present and enjoy my bowling" - Mohammed Siraj
Hyderabad, April 7: Mohammed Siraj, who has rediscovered his lost rhythm and swagger, wants to "focus on the present" and "enjoy" his bowling in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Key Points

1

Gujarat Titans pacer breaches 100 IPL wicket milestone

2

Delivers career-best 4/17 performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad

3

Overcomes initial challenges with impressive bowling

4

Celebrates in front of hometown crowd

Siraj, who was picked up by the Gujarat Titans in last year's mega auction for a whopping sum of Rs 12.25 crore, has started to live up to his hefty price tag. It wasn't an ideal start to his GT stint, considering he spilt 54 runs and went wicketless in the campaign opener against Punjab Kings.

However, after a nightmarish start, Siraj notched up his performances, raised the tempo with his blistering speed, and effortlessly scythed wickets across all phases of the innings.

On his return to his hometown against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Siraj brought thunder down the ground, pulled off Cristiano Ronaldo's 'Siuuu' celebration, and sewed up his career-best figures in T20 format en route to 100 IPL scalps.

Siraj, who was axed from India's Champions Trophy squad, something he was unable to "digest", wants to improve and learn every day while focusing on the present and enjoying his scorching spells.

"Every day, I want to learn something new. I want to focus on the present and enjoy my bowling," Siraj said in a candid chat with GT skipper Shubman Gill in a video posted by the IPL.

Siraj ended the night with figures of 4/17, his best in T20s and went past the 100-wicket mark in the cash-rich league. His night became special as the 31-year-old's family was present at the venue to witness the 'Miyaan Magic' firsthand.

"You can't describe the feeling when you perform in front of your friends and family. They only come at one venue, and I can't describe that feeling right now," Siraj added.

Siraj's impressive wicket pool featured Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Aniket Verma and Simarjeet Singh. His indefatigable spell restricted Hyderabad to a sub-par 152/8, which GT chased down without breaking a sweat and sealed a seven-wicket victory, courtesy of Gill's unbeaten 61.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What a comeback from Siraj! After that rough first match, he's been absolutely 🔥. That 4/17 spell was pure class. Love seeing him enjoy his cricket like this!
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Priya M.
The SIUU celebration had me laughing so hard! 😂 Great to see players having fun while performing. His passion is infectious!
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Arjun S.
While I'm happy for Siraj, I do think he needs to work on his consistency. One great match doesn't erase the Champions Trophy snub. Hope he keeps this form going.
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Neha P.
That moment when his family was watching... so wholesome! 🥹 You can tell how much it meant to him. More power to Miyaan Magic!
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Vikram J.
GT's investment paying off big time! Siraj at his best is worth every penny of that 12.25 crore. That yorker to dismiss Head was 👌
S
Sanjana R.
His attitude is so refreshing - focusing on learning and enjoying rather than pressure. More athletes should adopt this mindset!

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