Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar lauded Mohammed Siraj for his impressive spell against Gujarat Titans at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Saturday. Siraj returned with figures of 2-29 in his quota of four overs and played a key role in skittling out the opposition for 147.

Siraj accounted for Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha. In fact, the RCB pack leader had taken only two wickets in the Powerplay overs during the whole tournament but he was at his best against GT.

Gavaskar said Siraj’s self-belief and never-say-die attitude are his biggest strengths. The former Indian opener recalled how Siraj decided to stay in Australia in 2020-21 despite the passing of his father during the pandemic days.

“He realised that playing for India was important. Also, he was not established at the stage. An established player would 100 percent have gone back. When you are not established and you are looking to get your place in the team, you stick around,” Gavaskar told Star Sports.

Gavaskar also recalled Siraj’s superb spell in the historic Gabba Test match and how he got the big wicket of a well-settle Steve Smith. Siraj returned with 5-73 in the second innings at Brisbane as India went on to register a memorable win of three wickets.

“And look how spectacularly he bowled in that Gabba Test match, getting somebody like a Steve Smith out when he was batting on 55. Dismissing Smith when he has come in to bat is one thing and to get him out when he was set is another. This is the strength of Siraj, the self-belief and never-say-die attitude,” Gavaskar added.

Siraj also revealed that he was not feeling well before the match against GT but came up with a fine bowling display. Royal Challengers Bengaluru will next take on Punjab Kings at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala on Thursday.