'Never imagined the bond we would form' - Mohammed Siraj bids emotional farewell to RCB

Mohammed Siraj's association with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) came to an end after a seven-year stint as the right-arm pacer was roped in by Gujarat Titans for a staggering INR 12.25 crore at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Titans won bidding wars with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) to acquire the services of the Hyderabad speedster.

Siraj started his IPL journey in 2017 when he signed for Sunrisers Hyderabad. He was signed by RCB in the IPL auction in 2018. Siraj spent seven seasons at the Bengaluru-based franchise before being released last month. After the Titans thwarted CSK and RR's attempts to sign the 30-year-old, RCB had the opportunity to re-sign him by using the Right To Match card. However, they decided against it as the seasoned campaigner found a new home in the cash-rich league.

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On Tuesday, November 26, the fast bowler wrote a heartfelt letter, where he thanked the franchise and its fans instead of saying goodbye as they gave him the opportunity to develop his craft over the past seven years.

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.

Siraj picked up 83 wickets in 87 matches for RCB in the IPL. His best years came under Virat Kohli's leadership and in 2020, he became the first bowler in IPL history to bowl consecutive maiden overs in a single match.

At Gujarat Titans, Siraj will be linking up with some world-class pacers like Ishant Sharma and Kagiso Rabada, among others. It will be interesting to see how quickly the talented seamer adjusts to the new environment at the Shubman Gill-led franchise after spending the bulk of his IPL career at RCB.