Former West Indies fast bowler and renowned commentator Ian Bishop has weighed in on the ongoing pace battle between Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, suggesting that Siraj has now edged past Shami in India’s pace bowling hierarchy. Bishop made this observation after Siraj’s fiery spell dismantled Shami’s Sunrisers Hyderabad in their recent IPL 2025 clash.

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Bishop noted a dip in Shami’s form post his five-wicket haul against Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy. “Since that Champions Trophy spell, we haven’t quite seen the same Shami. He’s 34, pushing 35, and the sharpness seems to have waned,” Bishop remarked.

While Shami has taken five wickets in as many matches this season at an expensive economy rate of 9.29, Siraj has looked far more lethal, already bagging nine wickets in just four matches, making him the third-highest wicket-taker of the tournament so far. Ian Bishop also highlighted Siraj’s improved rhythm and accuracy.

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“Two seasons ago, he took 10 wickets in the powerplay for RCB, but last year his form dipped. This year, though, Siraj looks like he’s back to his best. If he continues hitting those lengths and getting seam movement, he’s offering more across all phases of the innings than Shami right now,” he added.

Mohammed Siraj’s performance against Hyderabad was a testament to that resurgence. The right-arm pacer claimed 4/17, earning the Player of the Match award and playing a pivotal role in restricting Sunrisers to 152/8 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. He was on the money right from the start, removing both openers—Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma—before returning later to pick two more wickets.

Travis Head, who initially had a lucky boundary off Siraj, was eventually dismissed trying to flick a well-directed delivery, only to find Sai Sudharsan pulling off a sharp catch at mid-wicket. It was a moment that summed up Siraj’s control and tactical execution.

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Following this dominant victory, where skipper Shubman Gill anchored the chase with a composed fifty, the Gujarat Titans will now face the Rajasthan Royals at home on April 9. Siraj’s current form could once again prove vital in their bid to climb the points table.