‘Coach asked me to…’ – Firstpost

Mohammed Siraj turned back the clock in front of his home crowd with a fiery four-wicket haul, while Shubman Gill and Washington Sundar forged a commanding 90-run partnership to help Gujarat Titans chase down 153 with ease against Sunrisers Hyderabad. GT defeated SRH by 7 wickets in their
IPL 2025 match on Sunday to go at the second spot in the points table.

Siraj shines in Hyderabad with fiery 4/17

Siraj, who was named Player of the Match after his stunning 4/17, dismantled SRH’s batting lineup after his team won the toss and elected to bowl first. Playing in Hyderabad, the place where he was born and made his IPL debut from, Siraj looked right at home. He provided two crucial wickets in the powerplay by removing the dangerous duo of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head.

“When you come to your home ground, it is a different feeling. The family is watching, and that also gives you confidence. I had ups and downs playing here for seven years (with RCB), but the work I’ve put in on my bowling, fielding, and mindset is now helping me,” Siraj said in the post-match presentation.

SRH’s batting innings never really got going. Despite a late cameo from skipper Pat Cummins (unbeaten 22 off 9 balls), their total of 152/8 felt low. Siraj removed the backbone of SRH’s top order. He was well supported by Prasidh Krishna (2/25) and Sai Kishore (2/24), both keeping the pressure on through their disciplined spells. Prasidh got SRH’s third wicket in the powerplay as he dismissed Ishan Kishan and Sai Kishore struck in the middle overs, removing Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Reddy.

Gujarat Titans were reduced to 16/2 in their chase after Jos Buttler fell for a duck and Sai Sudharsan went back for just 5. But Washington Sundar, promoted to No. 4, justified the decision by smashing 49 off 29 balls and forging a crucial stand with Gill when they needed it most.

“Skipper kept telling me to play as deep as possible. Got off to a good start and wanted to bat as deep as possible and finish for the team. Coach asked me to go in at four after we lost a couple of wickets (early). Great opportunity for me and went well (for me),” Washington said.

Gill played a captain’s knock with an unbeaten 61 off 43 balls. Sherfane Rutherford’s explosive 35 not-out off just 16 balls
sealed the win for GT in the 17th over.

“Bowlers are game-changers, especially in this format. Lot of people talk about T20s, batting and hitting, but we think matches are won by bowlers and that is why a lot of emphasis on bowlers in this franchise. The energy he (Siraj) brings is tremendous. When playing against him, you want him in your team. His energy is infectious,” Gill said after the match.