"RCB will always have a piece of my heart" - Mohammed Siraj pens down emotional note after IPL 2025 auction

Team India's right-arm pacer Mohammed Siraj's seven-year stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has come to an end. He is set to embark on a new endeavour after being signed by Gujarat Titans (GT) at the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Siraj sparked an intense bidding war between GT, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). The Gujarat-based side ultimately secured the talented bowler's services for a whopping ₹12.25 crore.

Interestingly, RCB didn't use their Right to Match (RTM) option for Siraj, which raised many eyebrows. The 30-year-old was a pivotal cog for RCB, even emerging as the leader of their bowling unit in recent years.

Following his departure from RCB, Siraj penned down a heartfelt note to sum up his time with the franchise. He wrote:

"To my dear RCB, Saat saal RCB ke saat mere dil ke bahut kareeb hai. 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."

Thanking the RCB fans for their unwavering support and mentioning that the team would continue to hold a special place in his heart, he added:

"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."

With 83 wickets at an economy rate of 8.60, Mohammed Siraj is the third-highest wicket-taker for RCB in the league's history.

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Mohammed Siraj did an impressive job in India's BGT 2024-25 Test series opener against Australia

Under the captaincy of Jasprit Bumrah, Team India scripted history by becoming the first team to win a Test against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The visitors secured a comprehensive 295-run victory to go 1-0 up in the five-match series.

Mohammed Siraj made a significant impact with the ball in the encounter. He finished with five wickets across two innings. He claimed the wickets of Usman Khawaja, Pat Cummins, and Steve Smith in the final essay.

India and Australia will now compete in a pink ball Test. The match will be played in Adelaide from December 6.