The Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj was a part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru for seven years. However, ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, the team released him and couldn’t reacquire him in the mega auction. The pacer was subsequently bought by Gujarat Titans. During his seven-year stint with RCB, Siraj developed a close bond with Indian cricketing stalwart Virat Kohli. The former Indian captain had also mentored the pacer on and off the field. Now, for the first time, Siraj will be bowling to Virat Kohli in an IPL match. While Siraj began his IPL journey with Sunrisers Hyderabad, most of his career has been with RCB, representing the team in 87 matches. Also Read: Watch: DC team congratulate KL Rahul on birth of his baby girl Speaking to RevSportz about the upcoming season, Siraj expressed his excitement about the prospect of bowling to Kohli. "When we play for the Indian team, I have bowled a lot against him in the nets, and now, for the first time, I will be playing against him in a match. So, it will be fun, and I am very excited," Siraj told RevSportz. Siraj will share the new ball with Kagiso Rabada in the Gujarat Titans squad, which also includes Prasidh Krishna. Discussing his role in the team, Siraj emphasized the importance of taking early wickets. "To be honest, I know [Kagiso] Rabada is here, and Prasidh [Krishna] is also here, but when I bowl with the new ball, my role will be to take early wickets and put pressure on the opposition as quickly as possible," Siraj said. He further added: "If I do not get wickets, then my aim will be to bowl dot balls to build that pressure. So, for me, my role is to take as many wickets as possible at the start, which will help the bowlers coming in later." Shubman Gill is a bowler's captain This season, Siraj will also play under the leadership of Shubman Gill for the first time. Reflecting on his relationship with the young captain, Siraj praised Gill’s leadership style. "Shubman is a very good captain, and he is a bowler’s captain. Whatever the bowlers ask for, he provides. He gives that freedom to the bowlers," Siraj said. He also highlighted their strong personal bond, which extends beyond the cricket field. Having made their Test debuts together, the two share a special connection. "Our relationship is good, and whenever Rishabh Pant, Shubman, Axar Patel, and I are together outside, we usually roam around and have dinner together. So, our bonding is very strong. Our Test debut was also together, which makes our connection even better," he said. Gujarat Titans will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Punjab Kings on March 25. The highly anticipated clash between Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where Siraj will bowl against his former team and captain, is scheduled for April 2.
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