Mohammed Siraj Struggles on GT Debut as Punjab Kings Punish Gujarat Titans
The much-anticipated Gujarat Titans debut of pace ace Mohammed Siraj ended in disappointment, as the speedster faced a nightmare outing against Punjab Kings in IPL 2025. Despite high expectations and a hefty price tag, Mohammed Siraj struggles on GT debut, conceding 54 runs in four overs without taking a single wicket.
This performance raised eyebrows across the cricketing world, especially after his exclusion from India’s Champions Trophy squad. Fans were quick to connect the dots and recall skipper Rohit Sharma’s justification for leaving Siraj out — a call that now appears justified.
Expensive Spell: Mohammed Siraj Leaks 54 Runs in 4 Overs
Coming into the match with the pressure of a ₹12.25 crore auction price and the responsibility of leading GT’s pace attack, Mohammed Siraj struggled on GT debut from the get-go. Bowling the new ball, his first two overs were relatively quiet, conceding just 14 runs. But his lack of rhythm and control became evident as the innings progressed.
Siraj’s final two overs turned into a disaster. Punjab Kings batters targeted him mercilessly, smashing 40 runs off his last 12 deliveries. His third over went for 17 runs, and the final one leaked 23 — an expensive finish that allowed PBKS to reach a daunting 243/5.
Rohit Sharma’s Warning Comes to Life
Siraj’s Champions Trophy snub stirred up debate when it was first announced. Having been a regular feature in India’s white-ball plans, his omission came as a shock to many fans. But Rohit Sharma had a clear reason.
“Siraj’s effectiveness comes down when the ball gets older. We needed bowlers who can handle all phases of the game,” Rohit had explained at the press conference.
In the light of GT’s latest match, that comment feels prophetic. Mohammed Siraj struggles on GT debut precisely in the later overs — when the ball gets old and batters go hard. This outing is sure to spark fresh debates about form, temperament, and adaptability under pressure.
Social Media Divided as Mohammed Siraj Struggles on GT Debut
As expected, fans flooded social media with mixed reactions. While many were sympathetic, others didn’t hold back their criticism.
“GT’s biggest auction buy is already under the pump.”
“Siraj needs to evolve, or he’ll fade out of T20s soon.”
“Still backing Siraj. One bad game doesn’t make a bad player.”
Some supporters believe it’s just the pressure of a new franchise and opening nerves, while others argue that Siraj’s T20 game hasn’t evolved to meet current demands. Regardless of opinion, one fact is clear — Mohammed Siraj struggles on GT debut will remain a talking point for days to come.
Time for Siraj to Reflect and Bounce Back
With the season still young, Gujarat Titans will hope this performance was just a blip. However, as their frontline pacer and one of the most expensive signings of the tournament, Mohammed Siraj must bounce back quickly.
There is no room for repeated failures in the IPL, especially when expectations — and salaries — are sky-high. The team needs him to deliver, not just in the powerplay but across all phases of the innings. More importantly, Siraj himself needs to rediscover the fire and consistency that once made him a mainstay in India’s bowling unit.
A Night to Forget, but a Season to Prove
While Mohammed Siraj struggles on GT debut, the IPL is a long tournament, and redemption stories are made every year. Siraj has the talent and experience to silence critics. What he does next will define not just his season, but possibly his future in white-ball cricket.
