Bengaluru [Karnataka]: Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj, now with the Gujarat Titans (GT), shared a heartwarming reunion with his former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammate Virat Kohli at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium ahead of their highly anticipated IPL 2025 clash.
A viral video shared by RCB’s official X handle showed Siraj and Kohli embracing, rekindling their bond that was forged over seven seasons. The post read:
“The nights change fast but the bond remains intact. Once an RCBian, always an RCBian!”
Siraj also met with RCB captain Rajat Patidar, pacer Yash Dayal, head coach Andy Flower, and Director of Cricket Mo Bobat, reminiscing about his time with the franchise.
Siraj’s RCB Legacy & Journey to Gujarat Titans
Siraj spent seven years with RCB, having been acquired in 2018 for ₹2.6 crores after a promising debut season with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2017. He played 87 matches for RCB, scalping 83 wickets at an average of 31.45, with his best bowling figures being 4/21.
Siraj became RCB’s third-highest wicket-taker of all time, only behind:
- Yuzvendra Chahal (139 wickets)
- Harshal Patel (99 wickets)
Despite four playoff qualifications, Siraj and RCB never won an IPL trophy. His best season came in 2023, when he claimed 19 wickets in 14 matches at an impressive economy of 7.50.
RCB’s Strong Start vs GT’s Mixed Form
RCB is in red-hot form, winning their first two games against heavyweights Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Their first home game of IPL 2025 at Chinnaswamy will see them take on GT, led by Shubman Gill, who has had a mixed start—winning one and losing one.
Siraj had an impactful performance in GT’s win against Mumbai Indians (MI), picking up 2/34 in his four-over spell. As he faces his former franchise, all eyes will be on how RCB fans welcome him back in Bengaluru.
Will Siraj haunt his old team, or will Kohli and RCB continue their dominance? The battle at Chinnaswamy on Wednesday, April 3, promises to be an electrifying encounter.