Mohammed Siraj ready for Virat Kohli challenge, reminds him of India nets before RCB faceoff

Gujarat Titans (GT) pacer Mohammed Siraj opened up about the battle against his former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammate Virat Kohli. The bowler stated that while he has bowled to Kohli numerous times in the nets while playing for India, this will be the first time they face off in a competitive match.

Mohammed Siraj was a key player for Royal Challengers Bengaluru for seven years. The 31-year-old pacer made his IPL debut with SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2017 before RCB acquired him for ₹2.20 crore the following year. Siraj played 87 matches for RCB and claimed 83 wickets, with his best figures of 4/21.

I Will Be Playing Against Virat Kohli in a Match for the First Time - Mohammed Siraj

However, Royal Challengers Bengaluru didn't retain Mohammed Siraj ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Gujarat Titans secured the fast bowler for ₹12.25 crore.

In a conversation with RevSportz, Siraj was asked about bowling to Virat Kohli in the ongoing season. The pacer said that it would be a great battle for him.

"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.

🚨 #MdSiraj Exclusive

"It'll be a great battle" — @mdsirajofficial on bowling against @imVkohli

"He's a very good captain, understands the bowler's needs, and acts accordingly" — the @gujarat_titans pacer on skipper @ShubmanGill.

Much more in the full interview at 12 pm! Stay… pic.twitter.com/FnhtU7DDzb

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) March 25, 2025

Shubman Gill is a Bowler’s Captain - Mohammed Siraj

The 31-year-old also spoke about Shubman Gill's leadership. Siraj described him as a "bowler’s captain" who supports his bowlers. He also highlighted that they made their Test debuts together, which makes their connection even better.

"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 added.

"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 continued.

Shubman Gill took over as Gujarat Titans' captain after Hardik Pandya was traded to Mumbai Indians (MI) before the 2024 auction. Gill led GT in 12 matches, securing five wins and suffering seven losses in his first season as skipper.

My Role Will Be to Take Early Wickets - Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj revealed his role for Gujarat Titans, adding that his focus is on taking early wickets with the new ball. The pacer stated that he will try to build pressure by delivering dot balls if he is unable to get 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 opined.

"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."

The Titans will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, March 25.

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