Mohammed Siraj has posted an emotional message for his former IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) after his seven-year association with the franchise came to an end. The star pacer expressed his gratitude to RCB and their fans for providing him with a platform to grow and develop as a cricketer.
Mohammed Siraj's departure from RCB was confirmed when the franchise did not retain him ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Despite expectations that RCB would re-sign him, they surprisingly did not even use the Right to Match card, allowing the Gujarat Titans to secure his services for Rs 12.25 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
While Siraj's departure marks the end of an era for RCB, it opens a new chapter in his cricketing journey with the Gujarat Titans.
Mohammed Siraj's farewell note for Royal Challengers Bengaluru
"To my dear RCB,
"Saat saal RCB ke saat mere dil ke bahut kareeb hail (The 7 years with RCB are close to my heart) As I take look back on my time in an RCB shirt my heart is full of gratitude, love and emotion.
"The day I first wore the RCB jersey, I never imagined the bond we would form. From the first ball I bowled in RCB colours, to every wicket taken, every match played, every moment shared with you, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. There have been ups and downs, but through it all, one thing has been constant: your unwavering support. RCB is more than just a franchise; it’s a feeling, a heartbeat, a family that feels like home.
"There were nights when the losses hurt deeper than words can explain, but it was your voices in the stands, your messages on social media, your constant belief that kept me going. You, the fans of RCB, are the soul of this team. The energy you bring, the love you give, the faith you show, it’s unmatched. Every time I stepped onto that field, I felt the weight of your dreams and hopes, and I gave it my all because I knew you were right there behind me, pushing me to be better.
"I have seen your tears when we’ve fallen short, and I’ve witnessed your celebrations when we’ve risen to the occasion. And let me tell you, there’s no fanbase in the world like you. Your love, your dedication, your loyalty—it’s something I will cherish for the rest of my life.
"Though I now step into a new chapter of my career, RCB will always have a piece of my heart. This isn’t goodbye—this is a thank you. Thank you for believing in me, for embracing me, and for making me feel like a part of something much bigger than just cricket."
During his seven-year stint with the RCB, Siraj appeared in 87 matches and claimed 83 wickets in the IPL. The Hyderabad-born pacer, who initially began his IPL career with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), rose to the fame under the captaincy of Virat Kohli at RCB.
RCB picked some key players in Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Liam Livingstone and Krunal Pandya in the IPL 2025 mega auction, held in Jeddah, which saw 577 players going under the hammer.
RCB picks in IPL 2025 mega auctions
1. Liam Livingstone: Rs 8.75 crore
2. Phil Salt - Rs 11.50 crore
3. Jitesh Sharma - Rs 11 crore
4. Josh Hazlewood - Rs 12.5 crore
5. Rasikh Dar - Rs 6 crore
6. Suyash Sharma - Rs 2.6 crore
7. Krunal Pandya - Rs 5.75 crore
8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar - Rs 10.75 crore
9. Swapnil Singh - Rs 50 lakh
10. Tim David - Rs 3 crore
11. Romario Shepherd - Rs 1.5 crore
12. Nuwan Thushara - Rs 1.6 crore
13. Manoj Bhandage - Rs 30 lakh
14. Jacob Bethell - Rs 2.6 crore
15. Devdutt Padikkal - Rs 2 crore
16. Swastik Chikara - Rs 30 lakh
17. Lungi Ngidi - Rs 1 crore
18. Abhinandan Singh - Rs 30 lakh
19. Mohit Rathee - Rs 30 lakh
List of RCB's retained players
Virat Kohli (21 crores)
Rajat Patidar (11 crores)
Yash Dayal (5 crores)
RCB's full squad for IPL 2025:
Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal, Liam Livingstone (Rs. 8.75 crore), Phil Salt (Rs. 11.50 crore), Jitesh Sharma (Rs. 11 crore), Josh Hazlewood (Rs. 12.50 crore), Rasikh Dar (Rs. 6 crore), Suyash Sharma (Rs. 2.60 crore), Krunal Pandya (Rs. 5.75 crore), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Rs. 10.75 crore), Swapnil Singh (Rs. 50 lakh), Tim David (Rs. 3 crore), Romario Shepherd (Rs. 1.50 crore), Nuwan Thushara (Rs. 1.60 crore), Manoj Bhandage (Rs. 30 lakh), Jacob Bethell (Rs. 2.60 crore), Devdutt Padikkal (Rs. 2 crore), Swastik Chhikara (Rs. 30 lakh), Lungi Ngidi (Rs. 1 crore), Abhinandan Singh (Rs. 30 lakh), Mohit Rathee (Rs. 30 lakh).
