Unable to Digest: Mohammed Siraj’s Candid Revelation on Champions Trophy 2025 Snub
Mohammed Siraj’s Comeback Journey
Pacer Mohammed Siraj revealed on Sunday that he initially found it challenging to accept being dropped from the Indian team for the Champions Trophy earlier this year. However, his resilience and dedication paid off as he delivered an outstanding performance, securing figures of 4/17 in Gujarat Titans’ seven-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in their Indian Premier League match.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Siraj shared, “At one time, I was not able to digest it (having not been picked for Champions Trophy), but I kept my spirits up and worked on my fitness and game.” He further added, “Whatever mistakes I was making, I worked on those and I’m enjoying my bowling.”
Siraj emphasized the importance of self-belief, stating, “As a professional, when you are consistently with the Indian team, a doubt grows in your mind (on him being dropped), but I cheered myself up and was looking forward to the IPL.” His ability to move the ball both in and out with precision gave him immense satisfaction, especially with his parents watching from the stands.
Reflecting on playing at his home ground, Siraj expressed, “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 seven years for RCB. I have worked hard on my bowling and also on my mindset, it’s working really well for me.”
Gujarat Titans’ Strategic Victory
Bowling first, GT restricted SRH to 152 for eight, setting the stage for a comfortable chase. Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill lavished praise on his bowlers, terming them “game-changers” in the shortest format.
Shubman Gill’s Leadership and Praise
“Bowlers are game-changers, especially in this format. A lot of people talk about T20s, batting, and hitting, but we think matches are won by bowlers and that is why there is a lot of emphasis on bowlers (in this franchise),” Gill noted. Leading from the front with the bat, he remained not out on 61 off 43 balls.
Gill was also pleased to see the talented Washington Sundar excelling on his GT debut. “He (Washington) was very close (to playing) in the game against Mumbai. He was padded the whole game, but with the impact player rule, it gives you an opportunity to play someone else (if you need an extra bowler),” Gill said of Washington.
About Siraj, Gill added, “The energy he brings is tremendous. When playing against him, you want him in your team. His energy is infectious.”
Washington Sundar’s Contribution
On his part, Washington Sundar shared that the advice from his captain was to take the game deep. “Skipper kept telling me to play as deep as possible. Got off to a good start and wanted to bat as deep as possible and finish for the team,” he said.
Sundar also acknowledged the familiar conditions in Hyderabad, stating, “This has been the trend in Hyderabad in the last few years. In the second innings, the wicket gets better and easier to chase 160-170 on the board. I was well aware of it and it helped me.”
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Reflection
SRH skipper Pat Cummins admitted that the pitch was not a traditional Hyderabad wicket, which made it tough to find fluency in their innings. “At the end there, it did not spin as much as we thought. A few (runs) short and they batted well,” Cummins added, reflecting on the match dynamics.