New Delhi [India], April 7 (ANI): The former cricketer turned commentator, Navjot Singh Sidhu, expressed particular admiration for Gujarat Titans’ fast bowler Mohammad Siraj, who effectively contained Sunrisers Hyderabad’s powerful batsmen using his swing bowling during the current season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Since falling out of favor and being dropped from India's Champions Trophy team, Siraj’s career has had its ups and downs. Captain Rohit Sharma stated that the main reason for Siraj's exclusion was his lackluster performance during both the middle and death overs.

Siraj, unable to accept his omission from the team, is now driven like never before. An injured fast bowler eager to reclaim his spot within the Indian lineup. In the fiercely contested, lucrative tournament, Siraj has shown his resilience with the ball by troubling the opposing batsmen at the top of the order, regardless of the circumstances under which he bowls.

"Following his exclusion from the Champions Trophy team, Siraj joined the IPL. The situation raised more doubts than provided clarity," Sidhu stated in a video shared on his Instagram account post GT’s seven-wicket win.

Siraj's time with the Titans started with a challenging performance in the opening game against Punjab Kings. At GT's home ground, Siraj gave away 54 runs in his four-over bowling spell. However, in the subsequent match, he transformed into a different bowler altogether.

In response, he cleaned up Mumbai Indians' opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton. Returning to his old stomping ground in Bengaluru, Siraj showcased exceptional performance with a brilliant three-wicket haul.

The 31-year-old maintained his hot streak against Sunrisers in his home city and delivered a career-best showing in the T20 format. Featuring blistering inswingers and crucial Yorkers, 'Miyaan Magic' along with the distinctive Cristiano Ronaldo's 'Suii' celebration dominated Hyderabad.

The local hero came back with stats of 4/17 and was awarded the Player of the Match title for the consecutive time. Sidhu, through his dynamic comments, paid tribute to Siraj for silencing his doubters and emerging as a "full-fledged bowler."

"He dismissed Rohit and Rickelton, followed by removing Padikkal and Salt during the IPL. Today, he has proven himself. He took out Head and Abhishek. Using the older ball, he had Aniket trapped lbw and clean-bowled Simrajeet with a perfectly placed Yorker. Siraj has silenced his critics. His performance shows he’s become a well-rounded bowler. I commend your dedication," Sidhu added.

Siraj has become a significant menace for the opposing teams in IPL 2025 due to his unmatched bowling performances. In just four games, he has claimed nine wickets, maintaining an impressive average of 13.77 and an economy rate of 7.75. Additionally, he shares the position of being the joint-second highest wicket-taker in IPL 2025. (ANI)