Mohammed Siraj delivered an impressive performance for the Gujarat Titans against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, dismantling his former team with remarkable figures of 4/17 at the Uppal Stadium, his familiar ground in domestic cricket. This outstanding display not only secured a decisive seven-wicket victory for GT but also marked a significant milestone for Siraj, as he achieved his best IPL statistics and reached his 100th wicket in the tournament.

However, beneath the exuberant celebration lay a more personal struggle that Siraj had been confronting—his battle with self-doubt after being omitted from India's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 roster.

The Indian fast bowler, who had been a key member of the ODI team until the previous year, was overlooked in the 15-player squad as India opted for a spin-dominated lineup, relying solely on two leading pacers—Mohammed Shami and Harshit Rana. Among the two, only Shami participated in all matches, while Harshit featured in just two.

In the aftermath of the match, Siraj openly discussed the emotional impact of that exclusion and how his support network enabled him to transform that frustration into a victorious performance.

“It’s a unique feeling to play at your home ground. Having my family in the audience really motivated me,” Siraj remarked during the post-match presentation.

“I have dedicated seven years to RCB, putting in significant effort to improve both my bowling and mindset, which is now yielding positive results. Initially, I struggled to accept my omission from the Champions Trophy, but I maintained my motivation and focused on enhancing my fitness and skills.”

‘Doubt grows in your mind’

The pacer from Hyderabad, now representing GT, has been nearly impossible to score against in IPL 2025. Over the course of four matches, he has taken nine wickets, boasting an impressive average of 13.77 and an economy rate of 7.75. His performance on Sunday was crucial in restricting SRH to a modest total of 152/8.

"I focused on correcting my mistakes, and I am truly enjoying my bowling," Siraj remarked.

"As a professional, being consistently part of the Indian team can lead to doubts about your position, especially regarding being dropped. However, I motivated myself and looked forward to the IPL. When you are not selected for the Indian team, it does make you question your abilities. Nevertheless, I aimed to be prepared for the IPL. When you successfully execute your plans, you maintain your position at the top. The ability to move the ball both ways instinctively provides a unique sense of satisfaction."

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