Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) pacer Mohammed Siraj endured a poor campaign in the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). His poor run continued in the Qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals (RR) as RCB bowed out of the tournament.
Siraj bowled just two overs and gave away 31 runs without picking up a wicket. In a game where RCB desperately needed early breakthroughs, the 28-year-old once again failed to deliver.
Some angry fans took to social media to unleash their frustration. Mohammed Siraj was slammed by a number of fans, especially those supporting RCB. A few individuals even stooped low enough to comment on his father’s death.
However, many fans came in support of the underwire fast bowler. They backed Siraj to script a turnaround in the upcoming months as India embark on a busy schedule next month.
Here are some reactions:
A guy under Mohammad siraj's post just said, it's good that your father died??? man, get a life. If you wanna criticise, criticise him constructively. STOP BRINGING HIS FATHER AND RELIGION WHILE BLAMING HIM, cause it shows how you were raised.
— s (@_sectumsempra18) May 28, 2022
Saying RCB made a mistake by retaining Siraj, or Siraj wasn't retention worthy is hindsight 101.
In the 2 seasons before this, Siraj took 22 wkts at an ER of 7.41, Avg 26.6 & SR of 21.5 with a dot ball % of 50.8 overall. His ER in the PP was 6.58, and at the death was 8.05.
— Gurkirat Singh Gill (@gurkiratsgill) May 27, 2022
Retaining Siraj was right.
Releasing him next year would be wrong.
These things happen, he had a season to forget.— Prithvi (@Puneite_) May 27, 2022
Siraj Miyaan, danda uda de Birmingham mein. And shut some faceless farcical trolls for good. You're a champ ❤
— Soorya Sesha (@sooryasesha7) May 28, 2022
https://twitter.com/time__square/status/1530222289811214336?s=20&t=GDpHOOvuhvJQd8SMJaL_Bw
Biggest turning point of RCB's season was Siraj having a poor season like no one imagined and I don't think that RCB can be faulted for putting all their eggs in Siraj basket when it came to having a reliable Indian pacer,it was a right move that didn't pay off at all.#IPL2022
— Akash (@Akashkumarjha14) May 27, 2022
Toxic RCB fans!
Siraj's Instagram handle is a sorry sight to see. Fans have even made fun of his father's death, his religion and poverty. Trolled Daniel Christian last year mercilessly and now Siraj. PATHETIC…
— Vinesh Prabhu (@vlp1994) May 28, 2022
https://twitter.com/Vansh8100/status/1530224025472888832?s=20&t=GDpHOOvuhvJQd8SMJaL_Bw
Keep siraj miyan in your prayers. He forgot to turn off ig comment section. Worst fanbase for a reason pic.twitter.com/pLrlACMiNt
— Div🦁 (@div_yumm) May 27, 2022
Siraj had a horrible season, there's no denying it. Much like Virat, he was a liability throughout. But guess what? His performance gives you NO RIGHT to abuse him. You've got to be one sick individual to sink so low as to even drag his late father.
— wrong footed in-swinging menace (@IPLhatebot) May 28, 2022
https://twitter.com/Shamsihaidri1/status/1530236143890968585?s=20&t=GDpHOOvuhvJQd8SMJaL_Bw
Why people are so so serious about a game ?? Like you're literally bringing his father's death (siraj's) and so much criticism just because of a game of cricket. This is unreal. They don't deserve this at all whatever they've done no matter what.
— 77⭐ (@Kohliophile) May 28, 2022
Incidentally, Mohammed Siraj has been a selfless servant of the game, so much so that he chose to represent his nation even though it stopped him from attending his father’s last rites. Besides, he has been exceptional in the Tests he has featured in.
Mohammed Siraj returns with nine wickets in IPL 2022
The Hyderabad-born cricketer was one of the three retained cricketers, including Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell for the Royal Challengers. The franchise spent a whopping amount of INR 7 crore to retain Siraj.
If one looks at the numbers, Mohammed Siraj has been one of the most improved bowlers for RCB over the past few seasons and one of their best bowlers.
However, he had a poor campaign in IPL 2022, returning with nine wickets in 15 matches at an economy of 10.08 runs per over and an average of 57.11.
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