Siraj, who was dropped from the ODI Champions Trophy that India won last month, said the break made him work on his bowling
Hyderabad: Pace bowler Mohammed Siraj on Sunday said his omission from the Indian team made him ready for IPL as his 4-17 helped Gujarat Titans hammer Sunrisers Hyderabad for a third straight win.
Hyderabad-born Siraj kept up his bowling form in the T20 tournament this season with nine wickets in four matches and kept down hosts Hyderabad to 152-8.
Skipper Shubman Gill hit an unbeaten 61 as Gujarat, champions in their debut season in 2022, overhauled the total with 20 balls and seven wickets to spare for their third victory in four matches.
It was Siraj's second successive match-winning show after he returned 3-19 against his former team Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Wednesday.
Siraj, who was dropped from the ODI Champions Trophy that India won last month, said the break made him work on his bowling.
"At the start (of the break), I could not digest," Siraj said after being named player of the match.
"But then I explained to myself that I have so many things planned. It (selection for Champions Trophy) was not to be, but I concentrated on my mindset, my fitness. Enjoying my bowling now."
The 31-year-old Siraj added: "When you are not selected (for India), doubts do creep in, but I wanted to be ready for the IPL."
Gill praised his champion bowler, saying, "The energy he brings is tremendous. When playing against him, you want him in your team. His energy is infectious."
Bengaluru released Siraj after last season and the India fast bowler was bought by Gujarat for $1.4 million in the November auction.
Hyderabad, who lost the IPL final to Kolkata Knight Riders last year, remain at the bottom of the 10-team table with four successive defeats from five outings.
