The lockdown was really important for me, because I used to get hit for boundaries very often before that: Mohammed Siraj after bagging 4-fer vs Punjab

Mohammed Siraj was the pick of the bowlers for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in their 24-run besting of Punjab Kings in Mohali on Thursday.
The right arm pacer returned with figures of 4/21 as RCB restricted PBKS to 150 in their chase of 174. His best bowling figures in IPL. Another feather in the cap of the 29-year-old, who remains the leading wicket taker for India in ODIs with 19 scalps in eight games.
Siraj, who was the Men’s ODI Player of the year for 2022, has been an integral member of India’s white-ball roster already being a prime pacer in the Test side. Post-match in Mohali, Siraj credited the Covid-19 lockdown for bringing the goods in his white-ball bowling.

BOWLED 💥@mdsirajofficial gets two in the final over of his spell and finishes with a superb four-wicket haul!#PBKS need 26 off 12 now.
Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/CQekZNsh7b#TATAIPL | #PBKSvRCB pic.twitter.com/hIT7qBpf2d
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 20, 2023
“The lockdown was really important for me, because I used to get hit for boundaries very often before that. I worked on my plans, my fitness and my bowling and it’s all paying dividends now,” Siraj conceded.
With a target of 175 set to defend, Siraj struck in the first over as he removed Atharva Taide, trapping him plumb, “First ball the length was a bit short and then I sensed need to bowl full to get some swing and that was the plan (for first wicket).”

Over the years, the one department in which Siraj has often been criticized is his fielding. “I always try to improve in every department of the game because I understand it is important to contribute in whichever way possible. Always rated myself as a decent fielder, misfields can happen but I take my fielding seriously.”
RCB next face Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, April 23 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.