Mohammed Siraj Reflects on Transition from RCB to GT

Mohammed Siraj is enjoying a fruitful season with Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2025. After years of playing under Virat Kohli’s leadership at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the India pacer has found a new rhythm under the mentorship of Ashish Nehra and captaincy of Shubman Gill.

Siraj, who was bought by GT for ₹12.25 lakhs in the last mega auction, currently holds 11 wickets from seven matches this season with an economy of 8.96. His performance includes a standout four-wicket haul and a match-winning 3/19 against his former team, RCB, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

From RCB’s Fire to GT’s Freedom

In a recent interview with Cricbuzz, Siraj revisited his journey with RCB, where he played for seven seasons.

“When I was with RCB, I knew there was a certain way to bowl at the Chinnaswamy. It’s a small ground, so I focused on attacking the stumps. Trying too much there usually led to leaking runs. By keeping it simple, I was able to pick wickets,” Siraj said.

He credited Virat Kohli for offering unwavering support during his RCB stint. “Virat Bhai gave me a lot of backing. I did enjoy my time with RCB despite the challenges. One season, I even had an economy of 7.52, which I consider a personal win at that ground,” he added.

A Relaxed Environment at Gujarat Titans

Siraj expressed his contentment at GT, highlighting the relaxed and trusting atmosphere created by coach Ashish Nehra.

“Ashu Bhai knows me well from our time at SRH and RCB. He has given me immense freedom. That trust is crucial for a professional player. When your coach says, ‘I know what you’re capable of, just enjoy your bowling,’ it brings out your best,” Siraj explained.

He also praised the culture at GT, calling it “much more relaxed” and better suited for high-pressure situations. “Players go through a lot mentally, and creating a stress-free dressing room goes a long way in boosting confidence,” he said.

Champions Trophy Snub Turned Into Motivation

Despite his strong IPL form, Siraj was dropped from India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad due to inconsistent performances leading up to the tournament. India eventually won the title without him.

“An ICC event is every cricketer’s dream. Missing out hurt, but I’ve made peace with it. I used it as motivation to improve my fitness and focus,” he said.

Siraj revealed he sought help from Team India trainer Soham Desai to work on his fitness. “Soham Bhai gave me a plan, and I stuck to it. Initially, I wasn’t convinced by his methods back in 2018, but over the years, I’ve grown to trust him completely. He knows my body better than I do,” he stated.

Looking Ahead

With GT leading the IPL 2025 points table, Siraj’s resurgence has become one of the tournament’s success stories. His transformation from a struggling pacer at RCB to a key asset at Gujarat Titans is a testament to the role environment and mentorship play in an athlete’s performance.

Siraj continues to focus on improving and hopes to break back into the Indian team for upcoming assignments, including the 2025-26 WTC and the T20 World Cup.

Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram