Mohammed Siraj’s departure from the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) marks the end of a significant chapter in his career, and his heartfelt farewell to the RCB fans has stirred emotions across the cricketing world. A day after being ignored by the franchise during the IPL 2025 Auction, Siraj took to Instagram to share an emotional letter with the RCB faithful, expressing his gratitude for the seven memorable years he spent with the team. Virat Kohli set to become RCB captain for IPL 2025
A Heartfelt Letter to RCB Fans
In his post, Siraj reminisced about his journey with RCB, a franchise he joined in 2018, and the bond he developed with its passionate supporters. He admitted that when he first donned the RCB jersey, he never imagined the lasting impact it would have on his career and life. His words were filled with deep appreciation for the fans who have stood by him through thick and thin.
“Saat saal RCB ke saath mere dil ke bahut kareeb hai” (The 7 years with RCB are close to my heart), Siraj began, reflecting on the emotional attachment he has built with the team over the years. Glenn Maxwell spoke to RCB authorities for half an hour after he was released
Siraj’s time with RCB was nothing short of remarkable. From his first ball in RCB colors to the many wickets he took, each moment was etched in his memory. The ups and downs were a part of the journey, but the constant source of strength for him was always the unwavering support of the RCB fans. He acknowledged that RCB is more than just a franchise; it’s a feeling, a heartbeat, and a family that always felt like home.
The RCB Connection: A Bond That Will Never Break
In his post, Siraj also acknowledged the highs and lows of RCB’s IPL journey, a team that has yet to claim the coveted IPL trophy despite being one of the most consistent sides in the competition. Siraj, who has been with RCB through some of its most memorable moments, including heartbreaking near-misses, expressed that the pain of those losses was often softened by the unwavering support of the fans.
“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,” he wrote.
The pacer also highlighted the special connection he had with RCB’s fanbase. Siraj made it clear that the fans are the soul of the team, and their dedication and faith have been a driving force behind his performances on the field. He mentioned how every time he stepped onto the pitch, he felt the weight of the fans’ hopes and dreams, motivating him to give his best.
“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.”
A New Beginning with Gujarat Titans
Although Siraj’s IPL journey with RCB has come to an end, it is not the end of his career in the tournament. The fast bowler was bought by Gujarat Titans for a whopping ₹12.25 crore at the IPL 2025 Auction, where he was a hot commodity. With Gujarat Titans looking to strengthen their pace attack, Siraj will be leading their fast-bowling unit alongside Kagiso Rabada and Prasidh Krishna, marking a fresh chapter in his career.
RCB, on the other hand, will enter the 2025 season with a revamped pace attack, featuring Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, and Nuwan Thusara. While Siraj’s absence will be felt, the team has made strategic moves to bolster its bowling lineup in the hopes of achieving IPL glory in the upcoming season.
Siraj’s Legacy at RCB
Throughout his time with RCB, Siraj became one of the team’s most reliable bowlers. In 87 matches for the franchise, he took 83 wickets — the third-most in RCB history, behind only Yuzvendra Chahal and Harshal Patel. His journey with RCB saw him evolve from a raw talent to a match-winner, and his consistent performances earned him the admiration of fans and teammates alike.
As Siraj now moves to Gujarat Titans, he leaves behind a legacy that will be hard to forget. His contributions to RCB will always be cherished, and his heartfelt message to the fans shows just how much the franchise meant to him.
“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,” Siraj concluded in his emotional post.
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A Farewell, But Not Goodbye
While the IPL 2025 Auction saw Siraj don a new jersey, his bond with RCB and its fans will remain unbreakable. As he embarks on a new journey with Gujarat Titans, his departure marks the end of an era for RCB, but also the beginning of another chapter in his career.
RCB fans, though heartbroken by his departure, will always remember the impact Siraj had on the team. His message, filled with gratitude, love, and emotion, will resonate with fans for years to come. And even though he has moved on, the love between Siraj and RCB will remain — a connection that transcends the boundaries of the game.