After IPL 2025 auction, Mohammed Siraj bids emotional goodbye to RCB

Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj wrote an emotional farewell note to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, saying he was not bidding goodbye to the franchise, but thanking them and their fans for giving him a platform to evolve as a cricketer. Siraj's seven-year journey with RCB came to an end on Sunday, November 25, when the Bengaluru-based franchise did not go for him in the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah.

Gujarat Titans bought the fast bowler for Rs 12.25 crore after outbidding Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. RCB not retaining Siraj ahead of the retention deadline came as a surprise, but it was expected that the former finalists would buy him back in the auction. However, RCB did not even use the Right to Match card, allowing the pacer to join the Titans.

Siraj played 87 matches for RCB and took 83 wickets in the IPL. The Hyderabad fast bowler, who began his IPL journey at SunRisers Hyderabad, earned the spotlight at RCB when he played under Virat Kohli's captaincy.

SIRAJ'S EMOTIONAL NOTE TO RCB AND THEIR FANS

"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."