BENGALURU, Apr 03 (V7N) — Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj delivered a match-winning spell for Gujarat Titans against his former team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), silencing doubters after his omission from India’s Champions Trophy squad.

Siraj, who was released by RCB last season and later snapped up by Gujarat for $1.4 million, showcased his talent by taking 3-19 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday.

"He bowled with real fire in his belly, led the attack with aggression, and bowled with excellent pace," New Zealand’s Kane Williamson said while commentating on JioStar.

The 31-year-old pacer dismissed Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, and Liam Livingstone, restricting RCB to 169-8. Gujarat then chased down the target with eight wickets in hand, thanks to Jos Buttler's unbeaten 73 off 39 balls.

Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag suggested that Siraj’s stellar performance stemmed from his disappointment at missing the Champions Trophy, which India won last month in Dubai.

"That's what we expect from a young fast bowler: 'Yeah, you didn't pick me? Now I will show you'," Sehwag told Cricbuzz.

After being named Player of the Match, Siraj admitted to feeling emotional about returning to his former home ground.

"There was some nervousness, but the moment I got the ball in my hand, it was full on," he said.

The victory marked Gujarat’s second consecutive win, while Bengaluru suffered their first loss of the season.

END/SD/RH/