Mohammed Siraj on IPL 2025 Heroics and Comeback Journey: “I Couldn’t Digest Being Dropped from Team India”
Gujarat Titans pacer Mohammed Siraj stars with 4/17 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025; opens up on emotional comeback after India snub
Hyderabad: Mohammed Siraj produced a match-winning spell for Gujarat Titans in their IPL 2025 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday, claiming an impressive 4/17 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The Hyderabad-born pacer, playing in front of a home crowd, was named Player of the Match as Titans sealed a seven-wicket victory.
Siraj’s standout performance comes on the back of a challenging year, having been dropped from the Indian cricket team following their Border-Gavaskar Trophy loss in Australia and missing out on India’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.
“It Was Hard to Accept”: Siraj Reflects on Team India Omission
In the post-match presentation, Siraj opened up about the emotional toll of being dropped from the national side and how he turned disappointment into motivation.
“At one point, I couldn’t digest it. But I kept myself motivated, focused on my fitness and worked on correcting my mistakes. Now I’m enjoying my bowling again,” Siraj said.
The 31-year-old admitted to battling self-doubt after falling out of favour with selectors, but credited his mindset shift and IPL 2025 preparation for helping him bounce back.
“As a professional, when you’ve been with Team India consistently, doubts can creep in. But I looked ahead to the IPL and motivated myself,” he added.
Family Support and Home Crowd Inspired Siraj’s Match-Winning Spell
Playing in his hometown made the moment even more special for Siraj, who credited the support of his family in the stands for pushing him to perform at his best.
“When you return to your home ground, it’s a different feeling. My family was there, and their presence gave me the lift I needed,” he shared.
Siraj Shines With the New and Old Ball Against SRH
Siraj was lethal from the first over, removing Travis Head early and dismissing Abhishek Sharma during the powerplay. But it was his reverse swing in the death overs — especially in the 19th over — that drew attention.
An area he had previously struggled with, Siraj’s execution with the old ball was sharp and clinical, claiming two more wickets to restrict Sunrisers Hyderabad to a manageable total. Notably, Indian captain Rohit Sharma had earlier pointed out this very weakness ahead of the Champions Trophy.
IPL 2025: Mohammed Siraj Eyes National Comeback
With this stellar performance in IPL 2025, Siraj has sent a strong message to selectors. His improved death bowling, mental resilience, and hunger to prove himself could pave the way for a return to the Indian squad in upcoming international fixtures.
