Siraj reflects on emotional RCB exit, thankful for Kohli's support
What's the story
Team India pacer Mohammed Siraj has opened up on his emotional journey of leaving the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
He then thanked Virat Kohli for his constant support during their time together.
Bought by the Gujarat Titans (GT) for ₹12.25 crore in the 2025 IPL mega auction, Siraj reminisced about his journey from RCB to GT ahead of their season opener.
"It was a bit emotional for me to leave RCB," Siraj told PTI.
Career path
Siraj's journey through IPL
Siraj started his IPL career in 2017 with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) after being signed for ₹2.6 crore.
The next season, he was picked by RCB for ₹2.20 crore, where he spent seven seasons, initially under Kohli's captaincy.
Despite his major contributions to the side, RCB chose not to retain him in the recent mega auction or even use their Right to Match (RTM) card.
Emotional farewell
Siraj's emotional departure from RCB
As mentioned, in a recent interview with PTI, Siraj opened up about leaving RCB.
"It's a good feeling to join Gujarat ahead of the new season," he said.
"Yeah, it was a bit emotional for me, because Virat bhai had supported me a lot in tough times."
He also praised his new team under captain Shubman Gill, saying they have an excellent squad.
"But we have a fantastic team here under Gill," Siraj added
Rule change
Siraj welcomes BCCI's decision on saliva use
Siraj also welcomed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s decision to lift the saliva ban for ball shining in IPL 2025.
The rule, which was banned before the 2020 season due to COVID-19 pandemic concerns, has been reinstated.
"It's excellent news for us bowlers because when the ball is not doing anything, applying saliva on the ball will increase chances of finding some reverse swing," he explained.
Future prospects
Siraj's upcoming season with Gujarat Titans
Siraj is now eyeing the upcoming IPL 2025 season where he will be playing for Gujarat Titans.
The team will begin their campaign against Punjab Kings on March 25 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Meanwhile, after a disappointing last season, Siraj would be keen to make a strong comeback and play a pivotal role in his new team's success.
Numbers
Pacer's numbers with RCB and overall IPL stats
In seven seasons Siraj featured in 87 matches for the Challengers.
According to ESPNcricinfo, he owns 83 wickets at an average of 31.44 in these matches. The pacer also owned an economy rate of 8.60, alongside one four-wicket haul.
His best figures with RCB are worth 4/21.
Overall, he owns 93 scalps from 93 matches at 30.35.
His overall economy rate reads 8.65, and he also owns two four-wicket hauls while 4/21 is also his best figures overall.