From fringes to spearhead thanks to scrambled seam

With nine wickets in 15 matches, an economy rate of 10.08, 2022 was a forgettable IPL season for RCB bowler Mohammed Siraj. To his credit, the Bengaluru side's gangly pacer is making up for it with a stellar show in 2023.

- Sanjjeev K Samyal

In rollicking form, he already has 14 wickets in just eight games. From a weak link in his side, to be the top wicket-taker in the tournament, it has been a stunning transformation. His attitude, speed and consistency, is all different. Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium is a difficult ground for bowlers, but nine out of Siraj's 14 wickets have come on the flat track at his home turf.

Siraj's red ball credentials were unquestionable, but the last 12 months have seen his rapid development into an ace white-ball operator to become an all-format player.

In a chat with teammate, Dinesh Karthik, for the official IPL website, the RCB bowler said the poor show in 2022 was a realisation to sit down and work on his game. "After last season, I thought now I am a part of the Indian team so I can't be conceding easy runs. I was not able to execute; it was feeling very different. I told myself, 'It can't be like this, if I have to play all three formats. If I have to play in the World Cup, then what do I need to do? I have to be in the present".