Related Articles
Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has embarked on a spiritual journey to Mecca for Umrah, ahead of the IPL 2025 season. The pacer was spotted at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport on Monday night, dressed in traditional Ihram attire, as he departed for the pilgrimage with companions.
A video of Siraj at the airport quickly went viral on social media, sparking discussions about both his personal choices and his cricketing career.
Table of content
Siraj’s Spiritual Retreat Amidst Career Challenges
This marks Siraj’s third Umrah pilgrimage, having previously undertaken the journey in 2019 and 2022. His visit comes at a pivotal moment in his career, following a series of professional setbacks.
Siraj also shared glimpses of his pilgrimage on Instagram, posting a photo from Masjid Al Haram in Mecca, offering fans a look into his spiritual journey.
Omission from India’s Champions Trophy Squad
One of the biggest talking points surrounding Siraj is his absence from India’s 15-man squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. His omission surprised many, given his impressive performances in recent years.
Notably, Siraj was India’s second-highest wicket-taker in the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, claiming 20 wickets in 10 innings. Despite his success, he was not included in the squad for the prestigious ICC event.
A New IPL Chapter with Gujarat Titans
Another major shift in Siraj’s career came with the end of his eight-year stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Ahead of IPL 2025, RCB released him, a move that caught many by surprise. However, the fast bowler quickly found a new home with Gujarat Titans, who secured his services for a whopping INR 12.25 crore in the IPL auction.
Siraj’s IPL Journey & Future Prospects
Across 93 IPL matches, Siraj has picked up 93 wickets at an average of 30.34 and an economy rate of 8.64. His best figures of 4/21 showcase his ability to deliver match-winning spells, though consistency has sometimes been an issue.
With Gujarat Titans banking on his pace and experience, IPL 2025 could be a make-or-break season for Siraj. A strong showing in the tournament might pave the way for a return to the national team, making his spiritual reset a possible catalyst for a career resurgence.
As Siraj prepares for the upcoming season, fans will be eager to see if this new chapter—both on and off the field—ushers in a fresh start for the talented pacer.
