'You can buy him back cheaper' - Aakash Chopra opines RCB might release Mohammed Siraj

Former Indian batter Aakash Chopra reckons Royal Challengers Bangalore can release pacer Mohammed Siraj ahead of IPL 2023 and pick him again in the auction for a much lower price. Siraj was one of the three retentions for RCB ahead of the IPL 2022 season for INR 7 crore, and he had one of his worst seasons, picking up just nine wickets in 15 games at an economy rate of 10.07.

RCB entered the playoffs of IPL 2022 despite Siraj’s poor returns. The other bowlers in the squad, Josh Hazlewood, Harshal Patel, and Wanindu Hasaranga all played a massive part in the bowling department. Siraj has grown in leaps and bounds in the last two years in international cricket across formats. However, he will look to make sure that he comes back strong in the next assignments to keep his place in the side.

Akash Deep was not too bad at the start: Aakash Chopra

Meanwhile, Chopra opined that RCB might release Siraj ahead of the next year’s auction and buy him back for a much lower price. He also noted a risk factor as they will need an Indian bowler if they miss out on Siraj. Chopra also stated Akash Deep was decent this year and could have been given more opportunities.

“Mohammed Siraj was retained for seven crores. You may release him. If you release him, whom will you get, that’s a big question because you will have to get an Indian bowler. You can buy him back cheaper actually, he will not be sold for seven crores now,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“You have an overseas bowler in the form of Josh Hazlewood, Harshal Patel has done very well, Akash Deep was not too bad at the start as well. You wanted to hold on to him (Siraj), I thought that was a great idea but the season has not been good,” the 44-year-old added.