On April 6, 2025, the Sunrisers Hyderabad faced off against the Gujarat Titans in a thrilling encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The Gujarat Titans won the toss and opted to field first, putting the pressure on SRH to set a competitive total. However, SRH's innings got off to a disastrous start, thanks to the fiery bowling of Mohammed Siraj, who struck twice in the powerplay, leaving the home side reeling.
Siraj's early breakthroughs came as he dismissed both SRH openers, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, within the first five overs. Head was sent back for a mere eight runs after a brief struggle, while Sharma managed to score 18 runs before falling to Siraj's exceptional bowling. With these two wickets, Siraj etched his name in the IPL history books by completing 100 wickets, becoming the 26th bowler to reach this milestone. He is also the 12th Indian pacer to achieve this feat, accomplishing it in just his 97th match.
Siraj's performance has been nothing short of sensational this season. With eight wickets to his name already, he is currently in contention for the coveted Purple Cap, trailing only Noor Ahmad and Mitchell Starc. His ability to strike early has been a hallmark of his bowling this season, as he has taken six wickets in the powerplay, the most by any bowler in IPL 2025 so far.
In his first three overs, Siraj gave away just 14 runs while claiming two crucial wickets, denying SRH a strong start. His precision and skill with the new ball have made him a formidable opponent, and his recent performances have solidified his status as one of the leading fast bowlers in the league.
The Gujarat Titans have been in impressive form this IPL season, having won two of their three matches prior to this clash. With Siraj leading the bowling attack, they aimed to secure their third consecutive victory against a struggling SRH side. The Titans' lineup also featured Washington Sundar, who made his debut in place of Arshad Khan, while SRH made a change with Jaydev Unadkat coming in for the ill Harshal Patel.
As the match progressed, SRH struggled to find their rhythm. After losing both openers early, they were left with the task of rebuilding their innings. The visitors, buoyed by Siraj's exceptional start, looked to capitalize on SRH's early setbacks. Siraj's performance not only marked a personal milestone but also showcased the depth and strength of the Titans' bowling attack.
Mohammed Siraj's journey in the IPL has been remarkable. He began his career with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2017, where he was picked for ₹2.6 crore from a base price of ₹20 lakh. After a stint with SRH, he moved to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he continued to hone his skills and became an integral part of their pace attack. His return to the IPL mega auction in 2025 saw Gujarat Titans secure his services for a whopping ₹12.25 crore, reflecting his growing reputation in the league.
As the match continued, SRH fans held onto hope that their team could mount a comeback. After a strong start in the tournament, defeating Rajasthan Royals by 40 runs in their opener, they had since struggled to maintain that momentum, winning only one of their last four games. The pressure was on SRH to deliver a strong performance against the Titans and revive their campaign.
In the midst of the action, Siraj's achievement of reaching 100 IPL wickets was celebrated not only for its significance but also for the impact it had on the game. With 42 of those wickets coming in the powerplay, Siraj has proven himself to be a game-changer, often striking at crucial moments to shift the momentum in favor of his team.
As the innings unfolded, fans were treated to a showcase of talent and competitive spirit. The match was not just about individual milestones but also about the fierce rivalry between two teams vying for supremacy in the league. With every wicket taken and every run scored, the excitement in the stadium escalated, promising a thrilling finish.
In conclusion, the clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans on April 6, 2025, was marked by Mohammed Siraj's historic achievement of 100 IPL wickets and his exceptional bowling performance, setting the stage for what could be a memorable season for both teams.
