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The 18th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) is already underway, and we have already seen some nail-biting finishes as well as record runs hit the board. With four matches done and dusted, the action will now move on to Gujarat, where the IPL 2022 winners, Gujarat Titans (GT) will host Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Tuesday, March 25. Both teams have some new faces in their respective sides and will be vying to go to get their hands on the coveted trophy.
Ahead of the match, India and GT pacer Mohammed Siraj, who was bought by the franchise for INR 12.25 Crore after being released from his former franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), opened up on his Champions Trophy 2025 snub. It is to be noted that Siraj was left out of India’s 15-member ICC Men’s Champions Trophy winning squad despite being a regular across formats.
I couldn't digest that I wasn't part of the squad, but Rohit…..: Md Siraj recalls
However, the Indian pacer had made peace with his snub, he said, "When you play for the country, you get a lot of confidence. As an international player you always want to play in an ICC event." "At the beginning, I couldn't digest that I wasn't part of the squad. Rohit bhai also does what is best for the team and that's why he did it. He has so much experience and knew that pacers won't be of much use on that track. He knew that spinners will be for useful and that's why they decided to snub me," Siraj continued.
The Rohit Sharma-led Indian team played with four spinners. In the final, the Men in Blue defeated New Zealand to claim their second ICC title in just nine months. Although, this might rest at peace, Siraj will be seen in action, making his Gujarat Titans debut on Tuesday. Speaking to the BCCI, Siraj also recalled the moment when he first wore the GT jersey.
"I did get a bit emotional when I put this jersey on for the first time. Having played for RCB for seven years, the sudden change got me a bit emotional but it doesn't feel like I am in a new team. The environment is pretty good, there is freedom for the players and hence, I am excited to get going," Siraj added.
