Mohammed Siraj recalls his best IPL memory in Hyderabad

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) star pacer Mohammed Siraj recently spoke about his first memories of playing IPL at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad ahead of RCB’s crucial encounter with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on the same ground on Thursday. It is noted that before joining RCB, Siraj was bought by SRH ahead of the 2017 season for INR ₹2.5 crores.

The 29-year-old also recalled his favourite memory of Hyderabad Stadium where he mentioned the match between SRH and RCB which he attended as a spectator. The match was reduced due to rain and the skipper Virat Kohli gave RCB a thrilling victory on the last ball of the match.

“My best IPL memory in Hyderabad was when I came to watch the match against RCB. It rained and the game was curtailed to 9 overs. Virat bhai won it for RCB”,” Siraj said in a RCB Podcast on Youtube.

‘I had not played the opening matches’ – Siraj

After that, Siraj recalled the incident which led to his IPL debut against the Delhi Capitals (DC). He said that Tom Moddy informed him that he is playing while he was in his home. After that, he headed back to the Stadium and made his IPL debut for SRH. He also mentioned about the pressure he felt during his first IPL game.

“I was selected for the first time in 2017 for SRH, I had not played the opening matches. After 6 matches I got an opportunity when Tom Moody called me and asked, “Where are you mate?” and I told him “I am home” and he said you are playing today. At that moment, I didn’t know what was happening with me. I immediately headed back to the Stadium and made my debut against the Delhi Capitals.” Siraj said.

“It was my first time playing in front of a packed stadium, was so nervous, I can’t express the pressure I was feeling, my body had become heavy, when running I felt like my legs got heavy that I got hit for 3 fours in a row but fourth ball I got a wicket so the pressure was released,” he further added.

RCB will lock horns with SRH in match number 65 of the season. Although, SRH are already out of the playoff race, it will be crucial encounter for RCB in order make their chances more strong to make it into the top four. However, if SRH win the match, it will benefit Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Lucknow Super Gaints (LSG) as both teams will driectly qualify to the playoffs.