An impressive season in the Ranji Trophy saw Sunrisers Hyderabad spending INR 2.6 crore on Mohammed Siraj at the Indian Premier League [IPL] auction earlier this year.
With the Sunrisers having a lot of resources in the fast bowling department, Siraj was made to wait for his chance. And when he finally did get his opportunity, he certainly has impressed followers of the game with his bowling.
With Ashish Nehra out of the side due to an injury, Siraj had to step into the India international’s shoes in a crucial match against Gujarat Lions on Saturday where his team needed a win to guarantee themselves of a place in the playoffs.
The 23-year-old did a brilliant job, picking up four wickets after Gujarat’s openers had got them off to a flying start.
Siraj, along with Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan, got Sunrisers right back into the match in the middle overs and David Warner’s side did not look back as they registered a comfortable eight-wicket win in the end.
The Hyderabad pacer’s bowling figures of 4-32 are his best when it comes to the IPL and he was named as the Player of the Match for his efforts.
SOCIAL CHATTER
Our Hyderabadi lad Siraj led the way with the ball. 4-32, and it doesn't end here. #OrangeArmy #RiseOfOrange pic.twitter.com/7pgT6bVuZj
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) May 13, 2017
Good win tonight @SunRisers . Well done Md Siraj, @davidwarner31 and Vijay Shankar. #Qualifiers #OrangeArmy
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) May 13, 2017
What happened there? 110 for no loss and didn't finish the overs? #GujaratLions
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 13, 2017
Siraj. 4 wickets in a literally knockout match. Just love seeing this old city guy knocking down some serious international players. #GLvSRH
— Sir Lazy (@iLazyLad) May 13, 2017
Siraj took 0-22 off his first two overs (ER: 11.00, 3x4, 1x6) before taking 4-10 off his last two overs (ER: 5.00, 1x4, 0x6). #IPL
— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket) May 13, 2017