For several years, Mohammed Siraj and Virat Kohli collaborated towards a common goal: securing victories for both India and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, following the IPL retentions and the major auction in November, these former teammates will now face each other as rivals when RCB takes on the Gujarat Titans at Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday. Prior to this match, Siraj and Kohli shared an emotional reunion, embracing each other for the first time since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Siraj was excluded from India's Champions Trophy squad, which India ultimately won, marking Kohli's fourth ICC trophy victory. He was also omitted from the home ODI series against England and the subsequent Champions Trophy in the UAE. Nevertheless, the fast bowler is determined to make a swift return to the national team. After a disappointing performance against the Punjab Kings, where he conceded 54 runs, he redeemed himself with figures of 2/34 against the Mumbai Indians. However, tonight will be a significant challenge for Siraj as he faces Virat Kohli, who has been both his mentor and role model.

Irfan Pathan has heightened the anticipation for this individual matchup, predicting an intense and competitive showdown between the two. Pathan believes that Siraj will not hesitate to bowl outside the off stump to Kohli, a tactic that has troubled the former RCB captain recently. Kohli's vulnerabilities were exposed during the Australian tour, and although this is a different format and competition, Pathan suggests that Siraj will keep this in mind.

"There is a deep emotional connection to this game, as it marks Mohammed Siraj's return to Chinnaswamy Stadium, albeit in a jersey that is not red. The matchup I am eagerly anticipating is Virat Kohli versus Mohammed Siraj. Siraj must give it his all, as he knows he can target that line outside off stump. How Kohli responds will add another intriguing layer to this encounter," Irfan Pathan remarked on his YouTube channel.

Hazlewood vs Gill another explosive contest

Among the matchups that particularly intrigue Pathan are the confrontations between Josh Hazlewood and Shubman Gill, as well as Rashid Khan facing off against Liam Livingstone and Tim David. Pathan notes that Hazlewood has refrained from consistently targeting the stumps during this IPL season, but he cautions that this strategy may not be effective against Gill. Additionally, the encounters between Rashid, the top T20 spinner, and the powerful RCB pair of David and Livingstone are expected to be visually captivating, according to Pathan.

"To date, Josh Hazlewood has bowled 48 deliveries in the IPL, yet none have struck the stumps. When Shubman Gill faces a ball of good length, his strike rate is 100; however, if the delivery is shorter, both his strike rate and average can escalate to 150. This matchup is crucial," Pathan remarked.

"The manner in which Rashid competes against David and Livingstone could be pivotal in determining the game's outcome. The Chinnaswamy pitch does not provide much turn. Rashid is an exceptional bowler; he took 2 wickets for just 10 runs in the previous match, although he did not complete his full quota of 4 overs. He will be keen to make an impact."

Read Also: Yashasvi Jaiswal Set to Move from Mumbai to Goa for Domestic Season

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!