IPL 2023: I worked on my plans, my fitness and my bowling and it’s all paying dividends – Mohammed Siraj after brilliant spell against PBKS

Royal Challengers Bangalore gun fast bowler Mohammed Siraj feels he is reaping rewards after working on his plans, fitness, and bowling. Siraj said the hard toil is paying dividends for him and he wants to keep up the good show for the franchise.

Siraj was at his absolute best as he scalped four wickets and conceded only 21 runs in his quota of four overs against Punjab Kings at the IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on Thursday. Thus, Siraj played an instrumental role in skittling out the opposition at 150 and helped RCB secure a 24-run win.

Siraj accounted for Atharva Taide, Liam Livingstone, Harpreet Brar, and Nathan Ellis in his fine spell of bowling. The figures of 4-21 are now Siraj’s best in the IPL and he was awarded Player of the Match for his fine bowling effort. Furthermore, Siraj effected a run-out to dismiss Harpreet Singh Bhatia.

Mohammed Siraj said in the post-match presentation, “First ball the length was a bit short and then I sensed the need to bowl full to get some swing and that was the plan (for first wicket). The lockdown was really important for me because I used to get hit for boundaries very often before that. I worked on my plans, my fitness, and my bowling and it’s all paying dividends now. I always try to improve in every department of the game because I understand it is important to contribute in whichever way possible. Always rated myself as a decent fielder, misfields can happen but I take my fielding seriously.”

On the other hand, Wanindu Hasaranga got the big wicket of Matthew Short, who has been in decent form for PBKS. The Sri Lankan spinner also had Shahrukh Khan stumped to return with two wickets in his spell.

Hasaranga said after the game, “I tried to bowl my strength (wicket-to-wicket). I saw the wicket was gripping, so I tried to bowl wicket-taking options (googly). That (Sam Curran’s runout) was unbelievable, I know Sam wasn’t thinking of the runout but I did it. Good franchise (RCB), I am enjoying it (the stint).”

RCB will host Rajasthan Royals on Sunday at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.