IPL 2025: Mohd Siraj Shines Against Former Team RCB, Earns POTM in GT’s Dominant Win

Emotional homecoming turns into match-winning spell as Siraj picks 3/19 to lead Gujarat Titans to an 8-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025.

Bengaluru, April 3: It was an emotional yet triumphant return to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for Mohammed Siraj, as the Gujarat Titans pacer delivered a stunning 3/19 spell against his former franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, leading his team to a convincing 8-wicket win in their IPL 2025 clash on Wednesday.

Playing for RCB from 2017 to 2024, Siraj admitted feeling nostalgic but locked in the moment he had the ball in hand.

“I was a bit emotional. I was here for seven years, changed jersey from red to blue, and was emotional. But once I got the ball, I was fine,” Siraj said at the post-match presentation.

Siraj, who dismissed Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, and Liam Livingstone, was named Player of the Match for his economical spell that turned the tide early in GT’s favor.

“I’m Ronaldo’s fan and hence the celebration. During the break, I worked on my fitness and corrected my mistakes. After I joined Gujarat Titans, I spoke to Ashish Bhai (Nehra), who told me to just enjoy bowling. Ishu Bhai (Ishant Sharma) advises me on line and length. My mindset is simple: have belief and the pitch won’t matter,” he added.

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🏏 Match Summary:

RCB, asked to bat first, struggled against Siraj’s new-ball burst, collapsing to 42/4. A 52-run stand between Liam Livingstone (54 off 40) and Jitesh Sharma (33 off 20), followed by a late surge from Tim David (32 off 18), helped RCB post a competitive 169/8.

Gujarat Titans chased down the target with ease, thanks to:

• Jos Buttler: 73* off 39 (5 fours, 6 sixes)
• Sai Sudharsan: 49 off 36
• Sherfane Rutherford: 30* off 18

GT reached the target in 17.5 overs, winning with 13 balls to spare.

With this win, both teams now have four points from three matches. RCB sits in third place, while GT is just behind at fourth due to net run rate.