Gujarat Titans’ bowling coach and former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel showered praise on Mohammed Siraj after his game-changing spell against his former team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, in the IPL 2025 clash on Wednesday. Siraj, who was released by RCB ahead of the mega auction, delivered a stunning performance, finishing with figures of 3/19. His efforts earned him the Player of the Match award as he dismantled Bengaluru’s much-vaunted top order at Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Bengaluru’s batting lineup, packed with star power, faltered early against Gujarat’s relentless pace attack. Reflecting on the team’s aggressive strategy, Parthiv Patel highlighted Siraj’s crucial role in setting the tone from the very first over.

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“Ashu Pa [Ashish Nehra] spoke about attacking from the first ball, and you did exactly that. You led the way brilliantly,” Parthiv Patel told Siraj in a post-match dressing room discussion. Siraj’s death-over execution was another standout aspect of his spell, which Parthiv acknowledged.

“It was important to finish well in the 19th over, and you nailed it. Well done. I only believe in matchwinner Mohammed Siraj,” he added. The statement echoed Siraj’s own viral remark about Jasprit Bumrah from the T20 World Cup final last year, where he had said, “I only believe in Jassi Bhai because he is a game-changer.”

Mohammed Siraj spearheaded Gujarat’s bowling attack, restricting RCB to 169/8 despite Liam Livingstone’s fighting 54. The collapse began with Virat Kohli’s dismissal for just seven runs, as he fell to Arshad Khan while attempting a pull shot.

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Now, Siraj and Gujarat Titans shift their focus to their next challenge—facing the aggressive Sunrisers Hyderabad lineup on April 6. Against a batting unit led by the explosive Travis Head, Siraj’s skills will once again be put to the test.