Speaking on JioHotstar's 'Gen Bold' special, Gujarat Titans pacer Mohammed Siraj reflected on how a sense of freedom and team backing has boosted his confidence ahead of TATA IPL 2025: 'The most important thing for me is being involved with the team.

I gain confidence because no one is judging me — I feel completely free. The more freedom I have, the better I can perform on the ground. I'm really enjoying that.'

Siraj also opened up about how he rebuilt his confidence and form after missing out on ICC Men's Champions Trophy selection: 'My plan was to stay in the present. The Champions Trophy selection was very important to me, but I told myself it's not over yet.

ICC events mean a lot to any player — but I knew I had to focus on my skills and fitness. I had to enjoy my bowling again. Now, I feel confident and I'm enjoying it a lot.'

Whenever I feel I'm not performing well, I turn to Arun sir: Siraj credits Bharat Arun

Siraj recalled the emotional moment he faced with his former captain Virat Kohli in his first TATA IPL match for Gujarat Titans: 'I have played with RCB for seven years, so I know the team well. I was a bit emotional during that moment.

But after that, you saw what happened.'

Siraj opened up on the mental battles behind a comeback, crediting Coach Bharat Arun for helping him rediscover joy and focus in his bowling: "No player wants to underperform — we always want to give our best for the team. Even when we're out of form, we aim to win, driven by our mindset, by our coaches, and our determination. That's always been my goal. Whenever I feel I'm not performing well, I turn to Arun sir. I remember speaking to him before going to Australia — he simply told me, 'Enjoy your bowling.' That stayed with me.

It's very important."

I have a lot of respect for him, which is why I didn't celebrate much: Siraj on muted celebration after Rohit's wicket

Siraj reflected on the respect behind his muted celebration after dismissing Rohit Sharma in his first match: "My first match didn't go well — it was a high-intensity game after a long break. But I learned from it and focused on my bowling. Against Rohit bhai, I tried swinging the ball twice, but it didn't work. Then I stuck to my plan and got the wicket. I have a lot of respect for him, which is why I didn't celebrate much."

Siraj opened up about the emotional high of winning Man of the Match in front of his family in Hyderabad: "The most memorable moment was having my family in the stadium. Performing in front of them gives me a lot of confidence. My parents supported me so much and worked really hard — we've seen tough times. But when their son performs in front of thousands, they feel proud. I felt amazing knowing they were there — it's a different feeling, hard to describe, but I really enjoyed that moment. Even though I was technically a visiting player, it felt like bowling at home. That made it even more special."