IPL 2025, RCB vs GT: Mohammed Siraj Steals the Show in Chinnaswamy Homecoming with Three-Wicket Haul

Mohammed Siraj returned to Chinnaswamy triumphantly, this time for Gujarat Titans, picking up 3 wickets against RCB in IPL 2025. His masterful spell assisted GT in earning an easy win.

April 3,2025 : Mohammed Siraj picking wickets at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore and celebrating with his trademark move has been a common sight over the years. But IPL 2025 had a surprise twist—this time, he wasn’t wearing the red of Royal Challengers Bangalore but the blue of Gujarat Titans.

Having been an integral part of RCB from 2018 to 2024, Mohammed Siraj was snapped up by Gujarat Titans for a whopping INR 12.25 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. And in his first match back at his old home ground, he delivered a match-winning performance, claiming 3 for 19 in four brilliant overs. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award, having played a vital role in RCB’s first loss of the season.

Siraj’s Emotional Return to Bangalore

Talking after the game, Siraj has accepted that he felt a flurry of emotions walking onto the Chinnaswamy ground in a different jersey.

“I was a little emotional because for seven years I’ve played here in the red jersey. Now, wearing a different colored jersey, there was a little nervousness and a little emotion too. But as soon as I had the ball in my hand, it was full-on josh,” he said.

Siraj did not waste any time in asserting his presence, getting rid of Devdutt Padikkal and Phil Salt early on, putting RCB in a spot. Although Liam Livingstone spearheaded a recovery, Siraj got the last laugh, sending him back in the 19th over to keep RCB to 169/8. Gujarat Titans chased down the target with ease in 17.5 overs, Siraj’s spell setting the stage for the win.

Time Away from the Game Helps Siraj Refocus

Having been left out of India’s Champions Trophy team, Siraj took the opportunity to focus on his bowling and fitness. Speaking about his break, he said:

“I used to be playing games regularly, so I wasn’t aware of the errors I was committing. Now I received a chance, so I put my attention towards my fitness and my bowling. Even mentally, it was nice to work on myself. Since I joined GT, I’ve been talking to Ashubhai (GT coach Ashish Nehra) as well. It’s looking very good from my hand, and my confidence level is high.”

Nehra’s counsel to Siraj was plain but potent: “Do whatever you want to do. Go and enjoy yourself.”

RCB’s Bittersweet Reality

Even with his match-winning spell, Siraj received warm appreciation and hospitality from RCB supporters, colleagues, and even head coach Andy Flower.

“Siraj bowled extremely well, didn’t he? It’s wonderful of him to come here and do that,” Flower said after the match. “I thought he bowled an excellent spell with the new ball. His lines were very tight, his lengths were good, and he came in at the stumps plenty of times. Good on him. We all think very highly of Siraj and love him. I hope he has every success in the world.”

While RCB lost their first match of IPL 2025, Flower was not impressed. Yet, Siraj’s performance reminded the franchise what they had let go.

Siraj Stands His Ground

Whether in an RCB jersey or a Gujarat Titans one, Siraj made it clear that he remains a force to be reckoned with. His performance at Chinnaswamy wasn’t just a homecoming—it was a statement. And as he twirled his hand and pointed at the ground in his latest version of the trademark celebration, the message was loud and clear:

“I’m standing here.”