On the eve of April 2, 2025, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru buzzed with more than just the anticipation of an IPL showdown. It was a night where cricket’s fierce rivalries took a backseat, and a story of friendship, loyalty, and unspoken gratitude unfolded. Mohammed Siraj, now donning the Gujarat Titans’ jersey, stepped onto the turf that had been his home for seven seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Waiting there was Virat Kohli—his mentor, his “bhaiya,” his superhero. Their reunion wasn’t just a meeting of two cricketers; it was a celebration of a bond forged in sweat, struggle, and triumph—a moment that melted hearts and reminded us why cricket is as much about emotion as it is about runs and wickets.
The Backstory: From Hyderabad’s Streets to Kohli’s Wing
Mohammed Siraj’s journey to this moment reads like a script from a Bollywood blockbuster. Born to an auto-rickshaw driver in Hyderabad, Siraj didn’t touch a leather ball until 2015. By 2017, he was in the IPL, and in 2018, he landed at RCB for ₹2.6 crore—a leap of faith that would change his life. Enter Virat Kohli, then RCB’s captain, a man known for his fire on the field and his fierce loyalty off it. For Siraj, Kohli wasn’t just a skipper; he was a lifeline.
The early years weren’t easy. In 2018 and 2019, Siraj struggled—his economy rate ballooned, and the wickets didn’t come. Critics wrote him off, but Kohli saw something else: raw talent and a fighter’s spirit. “Virat bhai backed me when I was in a tough situation,” Siraj later told Times of India. “He supported me, retained me when I wasn’t performing, and gave me confidence to improve my game.” That faith paid off. By 2023, Siraj was RCB’s spearhead, snaring 19 wickets in a single season and cementing his place as one of India’s premier pacers.
Their connection went beyond stats. Kohli’s aggression rubbed off on Siraj, turning him into a bowler who didn’t just take wickets—he owned the moment. Whether it was a fiery send-off or a pumped-up celebration, Siraj mirrored his mentor’s intensity. Off the field, they shared meals, laughs, and a framed photo of the duo that still hangs proudly in Siraj’s Hyderabad home—a testament to a brotherhood that transcended the dressing room.
The Twist: A New Chapter, A New Jersey
Fast forward to the IPL 2025 auction. RCB’s decision to release Siraj stunned fans. After 87 matches and 83 wickets—making him the franchise’s third-highest wicket-taker—Siraj was let go, snapped up by Gujarat Titans for a hefty ₹12.25 crore. For Siraj, it was bittersweet. “Leaving RCB was emotional,” he admitted. “It’s been seven years, but now it’s a new season, a new team.” Yet, as he arrived in Bengaluru for GT’s clash against RCB, the past came rushing back.
The reunion happened during a practice session on April 1, 2025. Cameras caught the moment: Kohli, mid-net, spotted Siraj and broke into a grin. The two met in a warm embrace—Siraj’s arms wrapping around the man who’d shaped his career, Kohli’s pat on the back a silent “I’m proud of you.” They chatted, laughed, and for a fleeting second, it was 2023 again—two RCB warriors plotting a game plan. RCB’s social media captioned it perfectly: “The nights change fast, but the bond remains intact. Once an RCBian, always an RCBian.”
The Emotional Echo: Fans Feel the Feels
The video went viral, and fans lost it. “Weird to see Siraj in GT colors, but that hug with Kohli? Pure gold,” one wrote on X. Another chimed in, “Not mentally prepared for this reunion—tears in my eyes.” For RCB faithful, it was a bittersweet symphony—pride in Siraj’s growth, nostalgia for the days when he and Kohli terrorized batters together. GT joined the party, posting their own clip with a cheeky, “Sach batana, issi ka intezaar kar rahe the na?” (Tell the truth, you were waiting for this, right?). The Titans knew they’d inherited not just a bowler, but a story.
Siraj didn’t stop at Kohli. He hugged Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal, coach Andy Flower—even raided the RCB snack box, a playful nod to old times. It was a homecoming in every sense, minus the jersey. “The atmosphere here is still family,” Siraj said in an IPL video, his voice thick with emotion. “Chinnaswamy feels like mine.”
The Showdown: Friendship Meets Fire
April 2 wasn’t just about hugs—it was game night. RCB, unbeaten with two thumping wins, faced a GT side fresh off a victory against Mumbai Indians, where Siraj had struck with 2/34. The stakes? Bragging rights, sure, but also a chance for Siraj to prove a point. Facing Kohli at the crease, with Phil Salt for company, Siraj would lead GT’s attack on a ground he knows like his backyard. “I’ve performed well here,” he’d said, confidence gleaming. “The pitch helps fast bowlers.”
Imagine the scene: Siraj steaming in, Kohli at the striker’s end, the Chinnaswamy crowd roaring. Would Siraj unleash a bouncer, Kohli’s old nemesis? Would Kohli counter with a cover drive, his signature riposte? It’s a scriptwriter’s dream—mentor versus protégé, friendship tested by fire. Yet, win or lose, the respect would endure. “Virat bhai’s my superhero,” Siraj once said. That doesn’t change with a jersey.
The Bigger Picture: A Legacy of Loyalty
This reunion isn’t just a feel-good moment—it’s a lesson. In a sport where loyalty can be fleeting, Kohli and Siraj show what it means to stand by someone. Kohli’s belief turned a struggling rookie into a Test star who took a five-for in Australia and became the world’s No. 1 ODI bowler in 2023. Siraj’s gratitude—evident in every hug, every word—proves that mentorship isn’t a one-way street. It’s a pact.
As the IPL 2025 clash unfolded, the spotlight wasn’t just on runs or wickets—it was on two men who’ve shared more than a team. Thousands watched, but for Siraj and Kohli, it was personal. A reunion that reminded us: cricket’s greatest victories aren’t always on the scoreboard—they’re in the bonds that outlast the game.
-By Manoj H
