Mohammed Siraj's career-best IPL spell restricts Sunrisers to 152 in Hyderabad

Right-arm pacer Mohammed Siraj has been in phenomenal form in the IPL 2025, representing the Gujarat Titans (GT). The 31-year-old has picked up 9 wickets in just three matches this season, emerging as a key weapon in GT's bowling attack. Siraj, who was bought by GT in the auction after seven seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has found a spark in his new franchise.

In the clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the pacer achieved a significant milestone by claiming his 100th IPL wicket. Playing at his home ground in Hyderabad, it was an emotional moment, especially after having spent the majority of his IPL career with RCB.

His performances this season have been nothing short of brilliant. The right-arm bowler picked up 2 for 34 against Mumbai Indians, followed by 3 for 19 against his former team RCB. However, his best came against SRH, where he returned with figures of 4 for 17, his career-best in the IPL. His previous best was 4 for 21 against Punjab Kings in 2023 at Mohali.

In the SRH match, Siraj removed both openers, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, early in the innings. He later dismissed young batter Aniket Verma and finished with the wicket of Simarjeet Singh. His bowling ensured SRH could only manage 152/8 in their 20 overs.

Watch Mohammed Siraj's fiery bowling spell here:

Role of Saliva helping the bowlers: Siraj

Besides, Mohammed Siraj also expressed his views on the return of saliva usage on the ball. He noticed that it helped the bowlers with generating movement, thereby enforcing the LBW (Leg Before Wicket dismissal) and bowled dismissals more likely on slower wickets. GT will aim to chase down the target and continue their momentum in IPL 2025 with a third consecutive victory.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Funniest Memes from SRH vs GT Mid-Innings of Match 19

"(On if he is enjoying the rule of applying saliva on the ball) 100%. If the ball tails a bit, it is a wicket. When there is no saliva, the ball comes onto the bat easily. This rule makes it much better for the bowlers, with lbw and bowled now a chance (for the bowlers). Wicket is slow. I tried to swing it but it did not happen. The more you attack the stumps, the better it is. It is a good total, but maybe ten runs more," said Siraj during the innings break.