Gujarat Titans’ (GT) fast bowler Mohammed Siraj admitted that being left out of India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad was tough to accept. After earning his second straight Player of the Match award in IPL 2025, the 31-year-old credited his family’s support in the stands for keeping his morale high.
Despite Jasprit Bumrah being ruled out late due to injury, the selectors chose not to include Mohammed Siraj, instead going with a pace attack of Mohammed Shami, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh — a decision that proved successful as India went on to win the tournament unbeaten.
Siraj played a key role in GT’s win over SunRisers Hyderabad on Sunday and said at the post-match presentation that although the Champions Trophy snub hurt, he stayed focused and worked on improving his game.
“When you come to your home ground, it’s a special feeling. My family was there in the crowd and that lifted me up. I have played for seven years for RCB. I have worked hard on my bowling and also on my mindset, it’s working really well for me. At one time, I was not able to digest it but I kept my spirits up and worked on my fitness and game.”
At the auction, the Gujarat Titans secured the services of the new-ball pacer for ₹12.25 crore. The right-arm quick had already claimed three wickets against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and followed it up with four more against SunRisers Hyderabad. His impressive figures of 4-0-17-4 marked his best performance in IPL history.
“When you successfully carry out your plans, you remain ahead of the game”- Mohammed Siraj
The Hyderabad-born pacer mentioned that he’s regained his old form and the ability to swing the ball in both directions, stating:
“Whatever mistakes I was making, I worked on those and I’m enjoying my bowling. As a professional, when you are consistently with the Indian team, a doubt grows in your mind. When you execute what you are trying to deliver, you stay at the top. When you move the ball both in and out and it works instinctively, it gives you a different feeling.”
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