Former SRH and RCB Pacer Announces Retirement From Indian Cricket After Going Unsold in IPL 2025 Mega Auction

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Former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Siddharth Kaul on Thursday announced his retirement from Indian cricket just days after not being picked at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction.

The 34-year-old pacer from Punjab had represented the country in three ODIs and as many T20s in 2018-19. He also played in the IPL for Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders, SRH and RCB. He was among the players list for the IPL Auction, but was not drawn for bidding.

After almost six years of representing the Men in Blue, the pacer took to social media to announce his decision to retire from his career in India, leaving the door open to play in overseas leagues.

"The time has now come to call time on my career in India and announce my retirement," wrote Kaul on X. He was a member of India's U-19 World Cup winning campaign in 2008 along with Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja. Kaul is open to participation in leagues overseas.

"I want to thank God for the path that has been made for me; the fans for the endless support; my parents and family for the sacrifices and confidence you have given me, especially during the injuries and lows."

"My teammates over the years for the dressing room memories and friendships; the BCCI for fulfilling a young child's dream to represent India and win the 2008 Under-19 World Cup and receive my T20i and ODI caps in 2018," (sic) he said.

Kaul played a total of 88 First-Class matches for Punjab and claimed 297 wickets. In 111 List A games, the right-arm pacer snaffled 199 wickets and another 182 in 145 T20s.

"(I want to thank) Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Daredevils, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL franchises for giving me memories of a lifetime; and last but not least, the @pcacricketassociation for giving me an opportunity to make my First Class debut in 2007 and supporting me throughout my career," he added.

With 155 dismissals, Kaul is the highest wicket-taker in Vijay Hazare Trophy history as well as in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, claiming 120 wickets in 87 matches. His last appearance in competitive cricket was in the Ranji Trophy clash between Haryana and Punjab at Rohtak earlier this month.