Mohammed Siraj has quickly turned into one of Gujarat Titans’ most reliable pace options in IPL 2026, partnering with Kagiso Rabada to form a potent new-ball combination. Their ability to bowl with Test-like patience and precision has repeatedly disrupted opposing batting orders this season, reinforcing GT’s reputation as one of the tournament’s toughest bowling sides.
After Gujarat Titans secured him at the IPL 2025 mega auction, Siraj appears to have found renewed rhythm and confidence in a fresh environment following his long spell with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Former India captain Kris Srikkanth feels the switch in franchise has unlocked a sharper version of the fast bowler, making him far more effective than before.
Speaking on his YouTube channel Cheeky Cheeka, Srikkanth pointed to Siraj’s transformation during the current campaign. “(Mohammed) Siraj was terrible with RCB. But here, he has become a deadly bowler,” Srikkanth said.
Siraj’s role in Gujarat Titans’ dominant bowling attack
In IPL 2026, Siraj has been used as Gujarat Titans’ leading Indian fast bowler and has delivered consistently across the tournament. The Hyderabad-born seamer, bought for Rs 12.25 crore, has taken 13 wickets from 12 matches while keeping his economy rate at 8.23.
With Rabada at the other end, Siraj has played a major part in GT’s control during the powerplay overs. The duo’s accuracy and movement off the pitch have repeatedly forced batters into uncomfortable decisions, and they often attack with lengths that resemble the kind of probing lines more common in Test cricket. Even when opponents post big totals, scoring has remained a difficult task under this new-ball pressure.
This season, Siraj’s improved discipline and tactical awareness have stood out. Rather than relying only on raw aggression, he has leaned into consistent seam placement and ball control, helping him fit seamlessly into Gujarat’s structured bowling approach and thrive within the team’s plan.
Seven years with Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Before moving to Gujarat Titans, Siraj spent seven seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru from 2018 to 2024. The franchise paid Rs 2.20 crore for him ahead of the 2018 campaign, and the early phase was challenging as he faced heavy criticism for leaking runs and struggling to handle pressure.
Support from Virat Kohli helped Siraj grow steadily at RCB. Over time, he became a key figure in their pace department, eventually developing into one of the franchise’s most trusted bowlers. In T20 cricket, he went on to become RCB’s third-highest wicket-taker, finishing with 83 wickets from 87 matches.
GT’s steady rise and playoff push in IPL 2026
Gujarat Titans have once again demonstrated why they are viewed as one of the most consistent franchises in IPL history. Since joining the league in 2022, they won the title in their debut year and followed it up with playoff appearances in two of the next three editions.
With IPL 2026 underway, GT are once more positioned close to securing a place in the knockout stage. The team currently sits on 16 points from 12 matches, and another win would officially confirm their progress to the next round.
