In the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, where batsmen often steal the spotlight, a young pacer from Hyderabad has etched his name in the annals of Indian Premier League (IPL) history. Mohammed Siraj, the fiery fast bowler known for his pinpoint yorkers and deceptive slower balls, has achieved a remarkable feat by claiming his 100th IPL wicket.
This milestone not only showcases his skill and consistency but also places him among the elite group of Indian pacers who have left an indelible mark on the world’s most competitive T20 league.
Table of Contents
The Road to Siraj’s IPL Milestone: From Debut to Century
Mohammed Siraj’s IPL journey began in 2017 with Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he showed glimpses of his potential. However, it was his move to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) that truly set the stage for his rise to prominence. With each passing season, Siraj’s IPL wickets tally grew steadily, reflecting his growing confidence and skill set.
The path to 100 wickets wasn’t always smooth for Siraj. Like many young bowlers, he faced his share of challenges, including expensive overs and tough matches. But it was his resilience and ability to learn from these experiences that set him apart. “I always believed in my abilities,” Siraj once said in an interview. “Every setback was a lesson, and I was determined to come back stronger.”
His breakthrough came in IPL 2020, where he bowled two maiden overs in a row against Kolkata Knight Riders, a feat unheard of in the IPL. This performance not only boosted his confidence but also showed the cricketing world that Siraj was a force to be reckoned with in the T20 format.
From Tennis Ball Cricket to IPL Stardom
What makes Siraj’s journey even more inspiring is his humble beginnings. Growing up in a middle-class family in Hyderabad, Siraj started playing cricket with a tennis ball in the bylanes of his neighborhood. His father, who worked as an auto-rickshaw driver, supported his son’s dreams despite financial constraints.
“My father always told me to follow my passion,” Siraj had mentioned in a previous interview. “He would work extra hours just so I could have proper cricket equipment.” This foundation of hard work and determination laid the groundwork for Siraj’s eventual success in the IPL and international cricket.
From playing local tournaments to representing his state in the Ranji Trophy, Siraj’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. His consistent performances in domestic cricket caught the attention of IPL scouts, ultimately leading to his debut in 2017. Little did anyone know that the young pacer would go on to become one of the most reliable bowlers in the tournament’s history.
Joining the Elite: Siraj Enters the IPL 100 Wickets Club
The journey to IPL 100 wickets is filled with challenges, but Siraj’s determination has seen him through. On April 6, 2025, during a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Siraj achieved this monumental milestone. The moment came when he dismissed Abhishek Sharma, sparking celebrations not just among his teammates but across the cricketing fraternity.
Reaching this IPL milestone puts Siraj in an elite group of bowlers who have mastered the challenging T20 arena. He became the 12th Indian pacer to achieve this feat, joining the ranks of legends like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah. This achievement is particularly impressive considering the batsman-friendly nature of T20 cricket and the constant evolution of batting techniques.
Siraj’s Impact on Gujarat Titans: A New Chapter in His IPL Journey
Siraj’s move to Gujarat Titans has proven beneficial for both the team and his personal growth in the IPL. As a key player for Gujarat Titans, Siraj has continued to impress with his wicket-taking abilities. His ability to bowl crucial overs, both in the powerplay and at the death, has made him an invaluable asset to his new team.
In the match where he reached his 100th wicket, Siraj’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He finished with figures of 2/17 in his four overs, showcasing his ability to maintain economy while taking crucial wickets. This performance not only helped his team secure a victory but also highlighted why he’s considered one of the best in the business.
The Arsenal That Got Him to 100: Siraj’s Bowling Techniques
What makes Siraj such a formidable bowler in the IPL? It’s his versatility and range of deliveries that have troubled even the best batsmen in the world. His repertoire includes:
- The Inswinger: Siraj’s natural delivery that curves into right-handed batsmen has been his primary wicket-taking weapon.
- The Yorker: Perfected over years, his yorker, especially under pressure, has become one of the most reliable deliveries in death overs.
- The Knuckleball: A relatively new addition to his arsenal, this slower delivery has deceived many batsmen looking to accelerate.
- The Bouncer: Used sparingly but effectively, his bouncer has surprised batsmen and forced them into making mistakes.
Gujarat Titans’ bowling coach has been instrumental in helping Siraj fine-tune these skills, making him a complete T20 bowler capable of bowling in any phase of the game.
Comparing Siraj’s Achievement with Indian Pacers’ IPL Records
When looking at Indian pacers’ IPL records, Siraj’s name now stands among the most successful in the league’s history. His achievement adds another chapter to the impressive Indian pacers’ IPL records. While legends like Bhuvneshwar Kumar lead the pack with over 150 wickets, Siraj’s entry into the 100-wicket club at a relatively young age speaks volumes about his potential.
What sets Siraj apart is not just the number of wickets, but how he has taken them. A significant portion of his wickets has come during the powerplay overs, underlining his ability to make early breakthroughs. This skill is highly valued in T20 cricket, where early wickets can often set the tone for the entire match.
Let’s look at how Siraj compares to some other Indian pacers who have achieved this milestone:
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Reached the milestone in 97 matches, known for his swing bowling
- Jasprit Bumrah: Achieved it in just 84 matches, recognized for his yorkers and unusual action
- Umesh Yadav: Took 105 matches, celebrated for his raw pace
- Mohammed Siraj: Reached the mark in approximately 90 matches, known for his versatility
This comparison highlights not just the achievement but also the unique path each bowler has taken to reach this significant milestone.
Social Media Erupts: Fan Reactions to Siraj’s Milestone
As news of Siraj’s 100th IPL wicket spread, social media platforms lit up with congratulatory messages. #SirajThe100 started trending on Twitter, with fans, fellow cricketers, and cricket analysts praising the pacer’s achievement.
One fan tweeted, “From being trolled in his early days to becoming one of IPL’s elite bowlers, Siraj’s journey is the perfect example of resilience and hard work.” Another wrote, “The way Siraj has transformed himself from a wayward bowler to a match-winner is nothing short of inspirational.”
Former cricketers also joined in the celebrations. Virender Sehwag tweeted, “From Hyderabad’s streets to IPL’s elite club, well done Siraj! This is just the beginning.” These reactions underscore the impact Siraj has had not just on the field but also in the hearts of cricket fans across the country.
Expert Opinions and Future Prospects
Cricket pundits and former players have been quick to praise Siraj’s achievement. Former Indian cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar remarked, “Siraj’s growth as a bowler has been phenomenal. His control, particularly in pressure situations, is what makes him stand out.”
Looking ahead, this milestone could be just the beginning for Siraj. With age on his side and a constantly evolving skill set, he has the potential to set new records in the IPL. More importantly, his performances in the IPL have strengthened his case for a regular spot in the Indian national team across all formats.
“The way Siraj is bowling, I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up with 150 or even 200 IPL wickets by the time he’s done,” predicted a prominent cricket analyst. “His ability to adapt to different conditions and batsmen makes him a special talent.”
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Mohammed Siraj?
Having achieved this significant milestone, what’s next for Mohammed Siraj? The immediate focus would be to help Gujarat Titans in their IPL campaign, but the longer-term goals could include:
- Climbing higher in the list of all-time wicket-takers in the IPL
- Improving his economy rate to become an even more effective T20 bowler
- Translating his IPL success to consistent performances for the Indian national team
- Mentoring young fast bowlers coming through the ranks
As Siraj continues to weave his magic on the cricket field, fans and critics alike will be watching closely. Will he go on to break more records? Can he maintain his form and fitness to become one of the all-time greats of the IPL? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Mohammed Siraj has arrived, and he’s here to stay.
In conclusion, Siraj’s journey to 100 IPL wickets is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the quality of fast bowling talent India continues to produce. As he embarks on the next phase of his career, cricket fans around the world will be eager to see what this talented pacer achieves next. For now, let’s celebrate this remarkable milestone and the spirit of perseverance it represents.
FAQ:-
Why is Siraj famous?
On 17 September 2023, in the Asia Cup final, Siraj became the joint fastest bowler to take a 6 wicket haul in ODIs equaling Chaminda Vaas’s record of taking 5 wicket in 16 balls against Bangladesh in 2003 World Cup. He ended with a career best figure of 6/21 and also became the 1st Indian to take 4 wickets in an over.
How fast is Siraj?
During a recent India vs Australia test match, a technical glitch caused a speed gun to display a delivery by Mohammed Siraj at an impossible 181.6 km/h, sparking humor and online memes, according to India Today and The Economic Times [1, 20]; however, the actual record for the fastest ball in cricket is held by Shoaib Akhtar at 161.3 km/h.
