IPL 2025: "Virat Kohli supported me a lot..." Mohammed Siraj opens up on facing RCB

Mohammed Siraj was released by RCB before the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Mohammed Siraj has revealed his feeling about facing his ex-team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. He also shared how Virat Kohli supported him during his tough times at the franchise. However, he was released by the franchise before the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Siraj’s departure from the franchise marked the end of an era. He finished as RCB’s third-highest wicket-taker, claiming 83 wickets in 87 matches at an average of 31.45.

His best season in the league came in 2023, when he took 19 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 19.74 and an economy rate of 7.50. He was acquired by Gujarat Titans (GT) at the IPL 2025 mega auction for a whopping amount of INR 12.25 crores.

He will join the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Prasidh Krishna to form a formidable pace attack for the franchise.

Mohammed Siraj opens up on facing RCB before IPL 2025

Speaking at the pre-season press conference, Siraj shared that leaving RCB was an emotional moment for him. He highlighted how Kohli supported him during tough times and even ensured his retention in the 2018-19 season.

Siraj said, “I felt emotional after leaving RCB. To be honest, Virat Kohli has a huge hand in my career. He has backed me in my bad time – 2018 and 2019 – he supported me, he even retained me, and after that, my performance and graph went up.“

“He has been very supportive. It has been very emotional for me to leave RCB. Let’s see what happens when I come against RCB. The match is on April 2.“

Reflecting on his time with his new team GT, Siraj shared that his training is going well and the bowlers are executing their plans effectively.

He added, “My training is going very well with all the pacers in my team, and our bowling unit knows how to plan and execute. I am feeling very pleasant training with them all, teammates, and especially being here in Gujarat Titans.“

Gujarat Titans will begin their IPL 2025 campaign on Tuesday, March 25, against Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

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