India’s fast bowler Mohammad Siraj has opened up about his emotional departure from Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ahead of IPL 2025. Siraj, who was a key part of RCB for seven seasons, expressed his deep gratitude towards Virat Kohli for his constant support throughout his journey with the franchise. The pacer was acquired by Gujarat Titans (GT) for ₹12.25 crore in the mega auction after being released by RCB.
Siraj’s Journey in IPL
Mohammad Siraj first made his IPL debut in 2017 when Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) bought him for ₹2.6 crore. The following year, RCB secured his services for ₹2.20 crore, and he went on to become one of their most reliable fast bowlers under Virat Kohli’s captaincy. However, ahead of the 2025 season, RCB decided to release him, making him available in the mega auction.
RCB Chose Not to Use RTM Card
Despite Siraj's impressive performances over the years, RCB opted not to use the Right to Match (RTM) card during the auction to retain him. Recently, in an interview, Siraj shared his thoughts on this transition and admitted that it was a tough moment for him to part ways with RCB after spending seven years with the team.
“Virat Bhai Always Supported Me” – Siraj
Speaking to PTI, Siraj reflected on his bond with RCB and the support he received from Virat Kohli. "It feels good to join Gujarat ahead of the new season. Yes, it was a bit emotional for me to leave RCB because Virat bhai supported me a lot during difficult times, but we have a great team under Gill's leadership," he said.
Siraj Welcomes the Return of the Saliva Rule
Apart from discussing his move to Gujarat Titans, Siraj also spoke about the reinstatement of the saliva rule in IPL 2025. He expressed his excitement over the decision, emphasizing how it would benefit bowlers. "This is great news for bowlers. When the ball is not moving, applying saliva helps generate reverse swing. Simply rubbing the ball on the shirt does not help much, but using saliva helps maintain shine on one side, which is crucial," he explained.
With IPL 2025 set to begin, all eyes will be on Siraj as he gears up for a fresh start with Gujarat Titans. Meanwhile, RCB fans will surely miss seeing him in the red and black jersey.
