Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Gujarat Titans turned in a fielding performance of the highest quality, grabbing nine catches and effecting a run-out to bowl out Kolkata Knight Riders for 180 in their IPL 2026 match on Friday, with Mohammed Siraj leading the charge both with the ball and in the field.The India pacer, who finished with figures of 2/23 and two catches, summed up the mood during the mid-innings break with a cheeky remark: “Yes, very good catches today, as always! I’m the best fielder, you know that,” he said with a smile.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Siraj’s performance was not just about moments in the field but also about rediscovering his rhythm with the ball. Reflecting on his recent struggles, he admitted that a lack of match time had affected him earlier.“During the World Cup, I played only one match. After that, I didn’t get a proper rhythm — I was just practicing. But in the last two matches, my rhythm has come back,” Siraj said.The breakthrough came after some self-analysis. “I went back and watched my bowling videos, especially my run-up. Bowling is all about run-up rhythm, and that’s where I realised what was missing.”He also highlighted the role of mental clarity. “Visualisation is very important. Sometimes emotions take over, but my mindset is to focus on what has worked for me and brought success. I stick to that process.”GT’s fielding sets the toneOn a lively surface, Siraj and Kagiso Rabada made early inroads in Ahmedabad, sticking to disciplined areas despite the occasional boundary.“It was a very good wicket. With the new ball, our main task was to bowl in the right areas. Even if we conceded a few fours or sixes, it was okay as long as we stuck to our plan,” Siraj explained.KKR were rocked early and never fully recovered, despite a valiant 79 from Cameron Green. The Australian all-rounder fought a lone battle, stitching key partnerships, but the relentless pressure — especially in the field — proved decisive.Siraj also credited the team environment in IPL 2026 for the collective effort. “Ups and downs are part of the game, but as a team we always support each other. There is positive energy, and that’s very important in a long tournament.”
