Mohammed Siraj Embraces New Beginnings with Gujarat Titans

A Bowler's Captain and a Strong Bond

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj is gearing up for a fresh start with the Gujarat Titans in the upcoming IPL 2025 season. Leaving behind a long stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Siraj expressed his excitement about playing under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, describing him as a "bowler's captain".

In a recent interview, Siraj praised Gill's leadership, emphasizing the freedom he provides to the bowlers. "Whatever the bowlers ask for, he provides," Siraj stated, highlighting the collaborative nature of their relationship.

Their strong bond, forged through shared experiences like their Test debut against Australia in 2020, extends beyond the cricket field. Siraj revealed their close camaraderie with teammates Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel, frequently spending time together off the pitch.

Learning from a Legend: Ashish Nehra's Influence

Siraj also spoke highly of Gujarat Titans' head coach, Ashish Nehra, acknowledging the valuable learning experience he offers. "He is a legend. I get to learn a lot from him," Siraj commented, particularly admiring Nehra's ability to remain calm under pressure.

Inspired by Mohammed Shami's success with the new ball, Siraj aims to replicate his performance and contribute significantly to the team's success.

Bidding Farewell to RCB: A Chapter Closed

After seven years with Royal Challengers Bangalore, Siraj leaves behind a legacy as their third-highest wicket-taker. Despite reaching the playoffs four times, the coveted IPL trophy remained elusive.

The 2023 season marked Siraj's best performance for RCB, showcasing his impressive form with 19 wickets in 14 matches. While the 2024 season saw a dramatic turnaround for RCB in the latter half, their journey ended in the eliminator against Rajasthan Royals.

Siraj's recent competitive appearance was in the Ranji Trophy against Vidarbha, where he secured four wickets across both innings. Notably, he was not part of the Indian squad that triumphed in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.