Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar lavished praise on Mohammed Siraj following the fast bowler's stunning performance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against Gujrat Titans (GT) during the 52nd clash of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on May 4. Siraj's standout spell saw Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill dismissed in the powerplay, which was a major factor in GT’s failure as they were bundled out for 177 in 19.3 overs on May 4. Thereafter, RCB comfortably chased down the target with 38 balls to spare and clinched a four-wicket win against Shubman Gill-led GT.
While speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar also recalled the 2020-21 Test series against Australia, where Siraj chose to stay and represent India despite the tragic loss of his father.
"He realised that playing for India was important. Also, he was not established at the stage. An established player would 100 percent have gone back. When you are not established and you are looking to get your place in the team, you stick around," Gavaskar told Star Sports.
Every time you see Mohammed Siraj, you know that he's going to give his heart out. Remember the time when his father passed away when he was in Australia," Gavaskar said.
Gavaskar also recalled Siraj’s crucial dismissal of Steve Smith in the historic Gabba Test when the Australian batter was batting on 55 runs. He also highlighted Siraj’s strength.
"And look how spectacularly he bowled in that Gabba Test match, getting somebody like a Steve Smith out when he was batting on 55. Dismissing Smith when he has come in to bat is one thing and to get him out when he was set is another. This is the strength of Siraj, the self-belief and never-say-die attitude," Gavaskar added.
After RCB beat GT, Siraj won the ‘player of the match’ award. His stellar performance not only propelled RCB to win but also helped RCB stay alive in the IPL 2024 playoffs race. RCB climbed to seventh position in the points table with eight points while GT remained at ninth spot in the standings of the IPL 2024.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
India to host this team for multi-format series ahead of T20 World Cup 2024
