IPL 2025: Siraj Reflects on Emotional Return to RCB
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Mohammed Siraj expressed mixed emotions playing against RCB after seven years but ignited his performance, taking 3-19 and securing victory for Gujarat Titans. He emphasized the importance of belief and discussed his preparation and camaraderie with teammates. RCB's Jos Buttler and Rajat Patidar reflected on their team's efforts and areas for improvement.
Key Takeaways
- Mohammed Siraj achieved 3-19 against his former team.
- Belief in one's abilities is crucial for bowlers.
- Preparation during exclusion from the national team was vital for improvement.
- Jos Buttler highlighted the need for better fielding.
- Early wickets were detrimental to RCB's chances.
Bengaluru, April 2 (NationPress) Facing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the first time in seven years stirred some emotion for Gujarat Titans’ fast bowler Mohammed Siraj. However, after securing 3-19 and leading his team to an eight-wicket victory at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, he stated he was energized upon receiving the ball.
Siraj unleashed his pace, consistently exceeding 140 km/h, focusing on the stumps and maintaining a strong length to achieve a remarkable 3-19 across his four overs. He unsettled RCB during the power-play by bowling out Devdutt Padikkal and Phil Salt, and later dismissed a charging Liam Livingstone in the final overs.
“It was emotional because I spent seven years here (with RCB). There was some nervousness and emotion, but the moment I had the ball, my intensity was full-on. I am here (ready for the contest), and I also admire Cristiano Ronaldo,” he commented.
“As a bowler, having belief is crucial - it’s vital. Without it, panic sets in (when you concede runs). I trust in my ability, no matter where I play, and that’s my mentality,” Siraj shared after receiving the Player of the Match accolade.
In the lead-up to the tournament, Siraj was excluded from India’s white-ball squad and utilized that interval to identify and rectify his mistakes. “I played numerous matches, so I wasn’t aware of my errors. During the break, I concentrated on my bowling and fitness,” he revealed.
“Upon joining GT, I conversed with Ashu bhai (Ashish Nehra), and now the ball is coming out nicely. He advised me to enjoy myself and play freely. I communicate with my teammates (Rabada, Ishant, and other bowlers) and their feedback proves invaluable,” he added.
Jos Buttler, who scored an unbeaten 39-ball 73, expressed enjoyment in batting, though he acknowledged areas for improvement in fielding and wicketkeeping. “Our bowlers performed excellently; however, fielding could have been sharper, and I should have been better, which might have reduced our target by 30 runs,” he noted.
“I felt embarrassed (about his dropped catch); Salty is a dangerous batter, and I prematurely celebrated in a Herschelle Gibbs manner. The new ball showed some movement, so credit goes to our openers for navigating that initial phase. Our fielding could have improved, but we have a solid lineup of fine bowlers, quality batters, and dangerous hitters,” he added.
Shubman Gill, the GT captain, expressed satisfaction with limiting RCB to 169/8 after aiming for a target of around 190. “We targeted approximately 190, not 200. Restricting them to 170 was commendable. The pitch had its moments; we could score 250 or take early wickets, and we knew that if we claimed early wickets, we would be competitive,” he stated.
“The intent was commendable. Securing three wickets in the power-play was pivotal. Although it’s disappointing, we must remain resilient and seize the next opportunity. We batted strategically, adjusting to the conditions,” he concluded.
Rajat Patidar, the RCB captain, reflected on how early wickets hampered his team's chances. “We aimed for around 190, not 200, post-powerplay, but losing early wickets affected our performance. I believe our intent was strong, yet losing three wickets in the power-play was excessive,” he admitted.
“Conditions improved, and our bowlers displayed remarkable effort in defending this total, pushing the chase to the 18th over was impressive. The performances by Jitesh, Liam Livingstone, and Tim David were encouraging. We are optimistic about our batting lineup's future, as they exhibit positive intent, which is promising,” he concluded.
