‘Got my rhythm back’: Mohammed Siraj following Player of the Match show vs CSK

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat Titans (GT) seamer Mohammed Siraj, following a bowling masterclass against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), said regaining his rhythm and confidence has been key to his strong performance against CSK.

Reflecting on his journey, Siraj revealed that despite spending most of the T20 World Cup on the sidelines, he continued working hard in the nets to improve his bowling. He admitted that he struggled in the early games of the 2026 IPL, but has since found his groove by focusing on basics such as rhythm, yorkers, and bowling effectively in different phases of the innings.

Siraj also explained his tactical approach against Sanju Samson on the red-soil pitch, saying he aimed to force drives while keeping his plans simple. The pacer added that maintaining pressure from one end helps bowlers like Kagiso Rabada attack and pick wickets from the other.

Masterstroke from Ashish Nehra and Mohammed Siraj nails the execution under pressure

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“The ball is coming out nicely. I was sitting out for most games in the World Cup, and I was working hard in the nets. I wasn’t bowling well in the first few games, but I have got my rhythm back. I work on everything from my rhythm, yorkers and bowling at different phases. On a red soil pitch, I would always try to get Sanju driving. I don’t try much and keep things simple, even if I can keep the pressure, then Rabada can pick the wickets,” Siraj said after the match.

A bowling masterclass from the GT bowlers completely outclassed CSK as GT registered a commanding victory of 89 runs in their Indian Premier League (IPL) clash on Thursday night in Ahmedabad. Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada and Rashid Khan grabbed three wickets each as they bundled out the visitors for just 140 runs while chasing 230. Siraj was awarded Player of the Match for his brilliant spell.

GT skipper Shubman Gill said Titans’ win over CSK was crucial in building momentum ahead of the playoffs. He reflected on the team’s early struggles this season, noting that GT were often close in matches before finally finding the extra edge needed to convert performances into wins.

Gill expressed satisfaction with his batting form but admitted he always feels there is room to contribute more. He also praised the team’s improved fielding display compared to the previous game and acknowledged that emotions naturally surface during high-intensity matches.

“Very important going into the playoffs. Very happy to get the momentum. If I look at the games, even the first couple of games, we were getting close, and it was about adding that extra 5%, which we got in the Delhi game. Very happy with the way I am batting. Whenever you get out, you feel you could do more. Yes, the fielding was better than in the last game. When you are playing such an intense game, the emotions come out. After 12 games, we were at number one but lost the last two games and could not finish in the top two. Very grateful for the fans that turn up and support us,” Gill said. (ANI)