[Watch]IPL 2025: Emotional Mohammed Siraj pulls out of run-up while bowling to Virat Kohli at Chinnaswamy Stadium

At the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, pacer Mohammed Siraj broke down in tears when he bowled to Virat Kohli.

When facing his old captain and teammate, Kohli, Siraj, who opened the bowling for GT, appeared a touch overwhelmed. He may have taken a time to gather himself before pulling out of his run-up just before throwing a ball to the star batter. But on the first delivery he faced from the bowler, Kohli hit a signature cover drive for four.

Watch the video below: 

Siraj paused mid runup and unable to bowl his first ball to his Big brother Virat . A moment of love, respect, and emotions beyond the game #Siraj #ViratKohli
pic.twitter.com/mJ8bVgKY4N

— CricFreak69 (@Twi_Swastideep) April 3, 2025

The 31-year-old put on a performance that won Player of the Match in spite of the first emotional moment. In the powerplay, he destroyed RCB’s top order with final figures of 3/19. Phil Salt and Devdutt Padikkal were among those he dismissed; the former’s stumps were observed cartwheeling. Liam Livingstone, who was seeming threatening in the final overs, was his third and most significant breakthrough.

There was a certain amount of emotion and anxiety: Siraj

He limited RCB’s momentum by dismissing the in-form batsman just as they were trying to increase their total by another 20 to 25 runs. The Hyderabad native talked candidly about the traumatic experience of playing against his old squad after the game.

“I played here (for RCB) for seven years, so it was emotional. I was a little anxious and emotional, but as soon as I held the ball, I went all out (intensity). “I am here (prepared for the competition), and I am also a fan of Cristiano Ronaldo,” he remarked in reference to his celebration.

Siraj and Kohli gave each other a heartfelt embrace during practice before the match. The speedster, who spent seven seasons with RCB, was released prior to the 2025 mega auction and was purchased by the Gujarat Titans for an incredible INR 12.25 crore. With 83 wickets in 87 games, Siraj is the third-highest wicket-taker for the Bengaluru team. He returned to Chinnaswamy as an opposition player for the first time in this match.