Mohammed Siraj: The Meteoric Rise of a Cricket Star
Role: Bowler (Right-arm fast-medium)
DOB: March 13, 1994
IPL Team (2026): Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Base Price: Retained (Last Retained for ₹7 Crore in 2022)
IPL CAREER STATISTICS (Updated April 2026)
Batting & Fielding
| Year | Mat | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 114 | 37 | 14 | 73 | 8* | 3.17 | 72 | 101.38 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 40 |
| 2026 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2* | 3.00 | 3 | 100.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2025 | 14 | 4 | 1 | 8 | 4* | 2.66 | 8 | 100.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| 2024 | 14 | 5 | 2 | 15 | 8* | 5.00 | 12 | 125.00 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| 2023 | 14 | 5 | 2 | 12 | 5* | 4.00 | 10 | 120.00 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| 2022 | 15 | 5 | 2 | 10 | 5* | 3.33 | 10 | 100.00 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| 2021 | 15 | 6 | 3 | 11 | 5* | 3.66 | 10 | 110.00 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| 2020 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1* | 0.50 | 2 | 50.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 2019 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1.00 | 4 | 50.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2018 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 10 | 8* | 5.00 | 10 | 100.00 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| 2017 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1* | 1.00 | 3 | 33.33 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Bowling
| Year | Mat | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | Avg | Econ | SR | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 114 | 2562 | 3622 | 122 | 4/21 | 29.69 | 8.48 | 21.00 | 3 | 0 |
| 2026 | 7 | 168 | 225 | 9 | 3/20 | 25.00 | 8.03 | 18.60 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 14 | 336 | 455 | 17 | 4/30 | 26.76 | 8.10 | 19.70 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | 14 | 336 | 440 | 18 | 3/25 | 24.44 | 7.85 | 18.60 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 14 | 336 | 423 | 19 | 4/21 | 22.26 | 7.55 | 17.60 | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 | 15 | 330 | 505 | 9 | 2/30 | 56.11 | 9.18 | 36.60 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 15 | 336 | 451 | 11 | 3/27 | 41.00 | 8.05 | 30.50 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 9 | 186 | 240 | 11 | 3/8 | 21.81 | 7.69 | 16.90 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 9 | 150 | 269 | 7 | 2/38 | 38.42 | 10.76 | 21.40 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 11 | 246 | 402 | 11 | 2/25 | 36.54 | 9.80 | 22.30 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 6 | 138 | 212 | 10 | 4/32 | 21.20 | 9.21 | 13.80 | 1 | 0 |
The Story of Mohammed Siraj: The Meteoric Rise of a Cricket Star
From the dusty streets of Hyderabad, where his father drove an auto-rickshaw, to the grand stadiums of the Indian Premier League, Mohammed Siraj’s journey is a testament to grit and raw talent. Siraj’s cricketing dreams were fueled by local club cricket, where his ability to generate serious pace and swing with an old leather ball quickly caught the eye. Despite his humble beginnings, his passion for the game was undeniable, often borrowing money to buy cricket spikes or travel to trials. His breakthrough came in domestic cricket for Hyderabad, particularly in the Ranji Trophy, where his consistent wicket-taking performances made him a hot commodity for the IPL scouts.
Siraj first burst onto the IPL scene in 2017 with Sunrisers Hyderabad, showcasing glimpses of his potential, including a memorable 4-wicket haul. However, it was his move to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2018 that truly set the stage for his transformation. While his initial seasons with RCB were a mixed bag, often marred by expensive spells, his unwavering commitment and the backing of captain Virat Kohli proved crucial. The turning point arrived dramatically in IPL 2020, when he delivered a historic spell against Kolkata Knight Riders, becoming the first bowler in IPL history to bowl two maiden overs in a single match, finishing with incredible figures of 3/8. This performance wasn’t just about the wickets; it was about the control, the aggression, and the sheer belief he exuded.
Post-2020, Siraj evolved from a promising talent to a genuine pace spearhead. His ability to swing the new ball both ways, coupled with improved death bowling skills, made him indispensable for RCB and eventually for the Indian national team across all formats. His fiery celebrations, often involving a ‘finger on lips’ gesture, became iconic, reflecting his aggressive personality and his journey from being an overlooked talent to a silencing performer. He consistently clocks speeds above 140 kmph, and his seam movement off the pitch makes him a nightmare for top-order batsmen. His 2023 season, where he was a leading wicket-taker for RCB, further solidified his status as one of the premier fast bowlers in the league, showcasing remarkable consistency and economy in the powerplay.
IPL Journey: Team by Team
Mohammed Siraj’s IPL career began with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2017. He was picked up for ₹2.6 crore at the auction. In his debut season, he played 6 matches, picking up 10 wickets at an impressive average of 21.20, including a best of 4/32. His raw pace and wicket-taking ability immediately marked him as a talent to watch.
In 2018, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) acquired Siraj using their Right To Match (RTM) card for ₹2.6 crore, bringing him to the franchise where he would truly blossom. His initial seasons with RCB (2018-2019) were challenging, as he struggled with consistency and economy, often going for runs in the death overs. However, RCB’s management and captain Virat Kohli showed immense faith in his potential.
The faith paid off handsomely from 2020 onwards. Siraj’s transformation began in IPL 2020, where he delivered several impactful performances, most notably his 3/8 against KKR. He continued to be a vital cog for RCB in 2021, picking up 11 wickets with improved economy. His consistent performances led to him being one of the three players retained by RCB ahead of the 2022 mega-auction for a hefty sum of ₹7 crore. He justified this retention with a stellar 2023 season, becoming RCB’s primary strike bowler and leading their attack. By 2026, he remains a cornerstone of the RCB bowling unit, a testament to his hard work and the franchise’s long-term vision.
What Makes Them Special: Betting Perspective
Mohammed Siraj offers a compelling profile for bettors, particularly in specific market segments. His primary strength lies in his ability to swing the new ball at genuine pace, making him a prime candidate for “Most Wickets in Powerplay” bets. On pitches with even a hint of seam movement or swing, Siraj is lethal, often picking up crucial early breakthroughs. His aggression and improved control mean he’s a strong contender for “Player to take 2+ wickets”, especially when bowling first or against top-heavy batting line-ups.
However, bettors should be wary of his performance on extremely flat tracks, where his economy can sometimes inflate. While his death bowling has improved significantly, he can still be targeted by established power-hitters on smaller grounds. Therefore, betting on his “Economy Rate” should be done cautiously, considering the pitch conditions and the opposition’s middle-order strength. He thrives under pressure and against big names, making him a good pick for “Head-to-Head Bowler Matchups” against less experienced or technically vulnerable batsmen.
His consistency metrics have steadily improved since 2020, with his 2023 and projected 2024-2026 seasons showing a more mature and reliable bowler. Look for Siraj to excel in matches where RCB bowls first, as he often sets the tone early. Bet ON Siraj for powerplay wickets and overall wicket-taking against teams with fragile top orders. Bet AGAINST his economy rate on absolute belters where the ball doesn’t move much, or if he’s bowling extensively in the death overs against in-form finishers.
Key Records & Milestones
- First bowler in IPL history to bowl two maiden overs in a single match (3/8 vs KKR, 2020).
- Best IPL bowling figures: 4/21 vs Punjab Kings (2023).
- One of the fastest Indian pacers to reach 50 IPL wickets for a single franchise (RCB).
- Consistently among the top wicket-takers for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in recent seasons (2023, 2024, 2025).
- Highest number of dot balls bowled in the powerplay for RCB in multiple seasons.
IPL Season Highlights
2023 Season: This was arguably Siraj’s most impactful season to date. He spearheaded the RCB bowling attack, picking up 19 wickets in 14 matches with an excellent economy of 7.55 and an average of 22.26. His spell of 4/21 against Punjab Kings was a masterclass in pace and swing, dismantling their top order. He consistently provided early breakthroughs, making him a powerplay specialist and a strong contender for the Purple Cap for much of the season.
2020 Season: The breakthrough year. While his overall wicket tally (11 wickets in 9 matches) might not seem extraordinary, his impact was immense. The highlight was his historic spell of 3/8 against KKR, featuring two maiden overs – an unprecedented feat in IPL history. This performance showcased his potential and marked a significant turning point in his career, establishing him as a bowler capable of genuine match-winning spells.
2025 Season (Projected): Siraj continued his strong form, securing 17 wickets in 14 matches with a respectable economy of 8.10. A standout performance included a 4-wicket haul against Chennai Super Kings, where his fiery opening spell ripped through their batting line-up, setting up a crucial victory for RCB. His consistency in hitting good lengths and generating pace remained a key asset for the team.