Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj, a consistent performer across formats in recent years, couple of months ago found himself at the center of controversy after being left out of India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad. The selectors�decision to include younger pacers like Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana instead of Siraj, especially in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah due to injury, left many fans and experts puzzled. India’s captain Rohit Sharma attempted to explain the omission, citing Siraj’s ‘ineffectiveness�wi??th the old ball as a key reason. However, Siraj has now responded, dismissing Rohit’s claims with hard-hitting facts.

Mohammed Siraj fires back with stats

Speaking to the media ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, Siraj shut down the narrative surrounding his supposed weakness with the old ball. “I have taken the most wickets with the old ball in the past year among the world’s ten fastest bowlers. My economy rate is also low. The numbers speak for themselves. I have performed well with both the new and old ball,” Siraj said in a press conference ahead of IPL 2025, challenging the perception that he struggles in the latter half of innings.

His comments were a direct counter to Rohit’s statement at the squad announcement. Rohit had remarked, “Siraj’s effectiveness comes down a little bit if he’s not going to take the new ball. We discussed it at length and we are only taking three seamers there (Champions Trophy) because we wanted all the all-rounders with us,” Siraj’s response, backed by statistics, made it clear that ??he wasnâ€??™t buying into that explanation.

Also READ: Ambati?? Rayudu picks Mumbai Indians�probable XI for IPL 2025 ft. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma’s decision: A tactical or questionable call?

Despite Siraj’s credentials, India’s selectors opted for a different strategy, prioritizing all-rounders and younger pacers. Rohit Sharma had justified the move, stating, “It’s an unfortunate thing that he (Siraj) has to miss out, but we had no option but to get the guys who can perform a certain role,”

India’s gamble paid off as Harshit Rana impressed with his performances, contributing to India’s Champions Trophy triumph in Dubai. However, Siraj made it clear that his omission wasn’t due to lack of skill or ability. “Look, selection is not in my hands. I have only a cricket ball in my hands, and I wanted to do as much as I can with that. I don’t want to put pressure on myself thinking about selection, as I want to focus on my performance,” 31-year-old adde?d, showing his determination t?o move forward.

Shifting focus to IPL 2025 and England tour

While the Champions Trophy snub remains a bitter pill, Siraj is now focused on proving his worth in IPL 2025, where he will represent Gujarat Titans (GT). Having previously played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Siraj was released ahead of the mega auction an??d was picked up by GT as a replacement for Mohammed Shami.

The Hyderabad-born pacer acknowledged that the upcoming England tour and Asia Cup remain in the back of his mind but insisted that his priority is IPL. “Yeah, as a player, it remains in the back of your mind that there is a tour of England and the Asia Cup, but I don’t really seriously think about it. My focus is on IPL and doing well for Gujarat Titans and helping them win another IPL title,” Siraj concluded.

Also READ: Gujarat Titans Full Squad, IPL 2025 Schedule: Date?, Matc?h Time, Players List, Broadcast and Live Streaming details

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Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has officially arrived in Ahmedabad to join his new Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Gujarat Titans (GT), ahead of IPL 2025. Siraj’s first match for GT will take place on March 25, when GT face Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This opening fixture will be a crucial test for GT as they look to build a strong campaign under Shubman Gill’s captaincy. The franchise, which won the IPL title in 2022 and finished as run??ners-up in 2023, will be aiming to reclaim the trophy in IPL 2025.

Mohammed Siraj joins Gujarat Titans for IPL 2025

Siraj who was a key figure in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) setup from 2018 to 2024, is now set for a new journey with the Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans. Siraj was acquired by GT for a whopping INR 12.25 crore in the IPL 2025 auction, making him one of the biggest signings of the season. The Hyderabad-born speedster will be a crucial part of GT’s bowling attack, which also features Prasidh Krishna, Mohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Rashid Khan. Upon his arrival, GT’s social media team welcomed him through their ‘Carversations’ se?ries, where players share their thoughts while traveling from the airport to the team hotel. Siraj shared a hilarious and heartwarming story about his first reaction to being picked by GT, involving his new captain, Gill.

Also READ: IPL 2??025: KL Rahul denies Delhi Capitals captaincy. Who will be their new skipper?

Shubman Gill’s unique welcome for Siraj

Siraj revealed that during the IPL 2025 auction, he was in Australia as part of the Indian squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2025. Gill, who was also a part of that series?, was staying in the hotel room right next to Siraj. As soon as Siraj’s name wa??s announced in the auction, Gill couldn’t contain his excitement. However, what followed next was even more amusing.

“Shubman’s room was right next to mine. As soon as my name was announced, he kept knocking. He was telling me, ‘Don’t worry, now you’re definitely coming to GT, don’t stress. When I got picked by GT, he was taking a shower. Towel bandh ke mere paas aaya! (He came to me with just a towel wrapped around him!) He hugged me and said, ‘Welcome to the GT family!,” Siraj said.

This fun interaction ??highlights the camaraderie between the two Indian stars, as they now gear up to?? lead Gujarat into the 2025 IPL season.

Siraj on Shubman Gill âš?a href="//twi??tter.com/hashtag/cricket?src=hash&ref?_src=twsrc%5Etfw" data-wpel-link="exclude">#cricket #ShubmanGill #Siraj #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/HuOa4i0hik

— Aman (@Amanriz78249871) March 11, 2025

Siraj’s IPL journey: A new chapter with GT

Siraj has been one?? of?? India’s top fast bowlers in recent years, but IPL 2025 marks a fresh start for him, as it will be the first time since 2017 that he will play for a franchise other than RCB.

Here’s a look at Siraj’s IPL career stats so far:

• Matches Played: 93
• Wickets Taken: 93
• Best Figures: 4/21
• Economy Rate: 8.45

However, Siraj had a challenging IPL 2024 season, strugg??ling with form and consistency, which led RCB to release him ahead of the mega auction. Despite this, Gujarat saw immense potential in his experience and skill set, making a bold move to sign him for INR 12.25 crore. GT’s decision to bring in Siraj is part of their strategy to revamp their fast-bowling unit.

Also READ: IPL 2025: 3 p??layers who can replace Harry Brook in Delhi Capitals (DC) squ?ad

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In recent months, the Indian cricket and entertainment industry have been abuzz with speculations of potential romance between actress Mahira Sharma and cricketer Mohammed Siraj. The speculation began when Siraj liked a series of Mahira’s posts on Instagram, leading fans to speculate about a budding relationship.

Private relationship between Mahira Sharma and Mohammed Siraj?

Mahira, known for her appearances in popular TV shows like Bigg Boss 13, Naagin 3 and Kundali Bhagya, has been a subject of interest for her personal life. The rumours about her and Siraj started gaining traction when fans noticed that Siraj had liked her Instagram post and that they had started following each other on social media. This led to widespread specu??lation, with some reports even suggesting that they were keeping their r?elationship private.

Also READ: Are Mahira Sharma and Mohammed Siraj in a? relationship? Actressâ€??™s mother responds to media reports

Mahira’s response

In a recent interview with FilmyGyan, Mahira categorically denied the dating rumours. She stated, “Kisi ka kuch nahi hai (There is nothing). I’m not dating anyone.” This direct response has quelled the speculation surrounding her relationship with Siraj. Mahira also discussed how common it is for public figures to be linked with others, often without any basis. She explained that fans often create edits and link her with co-stars, which she cannot control, but she does not give much importance ?to such rumours.

“Fans can connect you with anyone. We can’t stop them. When I work, I am linked to them (co-stars) too. They make edits and all. But I don’t give much importance to all this. If you like this, do it, but there is nothing like this,” the model-turned-actress added.

Reaction of fans

The news of Mahira and Siraj’s alleged relationship had created a significant buzz on social media. Fans expressed a mix of excitement and skepticism, with some calling them a potential “power couple” and others questioning the credibility of the rumours. Despite the denial from Mahira, the interest in this pairing remains high, with many fans sti?ll curious about the possibility of a romance between a TV star and a cricket?er.

Also READ: Act??ress Zanai Bhosle clarifies her relationship with Mohammed Siraj; the Indian pacer responds

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In a recent interaction with the paparazzi, actress Mahira Sharma found herself at the center of attention when asked about her favuorite cricketer. The question seemed to catch her off guard, leading to a moment of embarrassment as she blushed and hesitated before responding. The incident has sparked renewed interest in the rumoured relationship between Mahira and Indian cricketer Mohammed Siraj.

Background on the dating rumours between Mahira Sharma and Mohammed Siraj

Rumours about Mahira and Siraj have been circulating for months, with speculation fuelled by the cricketer’s liking for the actress’s pictures on social media. Siraj also follows Mahira on Instagram; this has been interpreted as a sign of a potential romantic relationship between the two.

Mahira’s reaction

When asked about her favourite cricketer, Mahira’s response was telling. She seemed flustered and blushed, uttering “entire Indian cricket team” before the paps started shouting “Siraj… Siraj…”

Also READ: Are Mahira Sharma and Mohammed Siraj in a relationship? Actress’s mother responds to media reports

Siraj returns from Umrah trip

Siraj, know for his fierce bowling and remarkable performances on the field, took a break from his busy schedule to perform Umrah, a significant religious pilgrimage. This spiritual journey gave the pacer an opportunity to s??eek blessings and express gratitude before reuniting with his Indian teammates in Dubai.

He has been named as a reserve player in India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, alongside Shivam Dube and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Siraj’s visit to Mecca was widely appreciated, highlighting his deep faith and his ability to balance spirituality with his professional cricketing commitments.

ALHAMDULILAH pic.twitter.com/FRoQaRd5Wm

— Mohammed Siraj (@mdsirajofficial) February 18, 2025

Also READ: Actress Zanai Bhosle c??larifies her relationship ??with Mohammed Siraj; the Indian pacer responds

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Indian cricket team’s star fast bowler Mohammed Siraj and model-turned-actress Mahira Sharma are at the center of dating rumours. Reports suggest that both celebrities have started following each other on social media, fuelling speculation about a possible roman??tic relationship??.

Who is Mahira Sharma?

Mahira Sharma began her acting career in 2016 with Yaaro Ka Tashan on SAB TV, portraying the character of Shilpi. She later gained recognition through popular TV shows such as Naagin 3 and Bepanah Pyaar. However, her real breakthrough came in 2019 when she participated in the reality show Bigg Boss 13, earning widespread fame. Mahira has also appeared in several Punjabi music videos, with her song ‘Lehenga’ becoming a massive hit. Currently, she remains active in both television and the music industry.

Is Mahira Sharma dating Mohammed Siraj?

According to a report by The Times of India, sources close to the duo confirmed that Siraj and Mahira are indeed in a relationship. However, Mahira’s mother, Sania Sharma, has dismissed these claims as baseless.

In an interview with Times Now, she refuted the rumours, stating, “People say anything. Now that my daughter is a celebrity, people will link her name with any?one. Should we believe such rumours?�/em> Her statement made it clear that there is no romantic association between Mahira and Siraj, and the ongoing buzz is purely speculative.