IPL 2025 Retention: Why RCB Did Not Retain Indian Pacer Mohammed Siraj Ahead of Mega Auction?

Mohammed Siraj was primed to be among the retentions for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), but the franchise in a late change of heart decided to release the Indian pacer ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction.

The 29-year-old pacer from Hyderabad has been part of the Bengaluru-based side since IPL 2018. Siraj was also one of three retentions for RCB ahead of the IPL 2022 Mega Auction. The pacer was retained for Rs 7 Crore.

However, Siraj, reported to be one of four retentions by RCB alongside Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal, was not retained by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, sending the Indian pacer, who made his IPL debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2017, into the big auction.

In his 87 appearances for RCB, Siraj had claimed 83 wickets at an economy rate of 8.61 with best of 4 for 21. He is the team's third highest wicket-taker behind Yuzvendra Chahal (139 wickets) and Harshal Patel (99 wickets).

While he was a little erratic a few years ago, Siraj has been in prime form, carrying his impressive displays on to the IPL stage for RCB as he had one of his best-ever tournament in 2023, claiming 19 wickets in the season.

Even in the 2024 edition, Siraj finished with 15 wickets, but was a little expensive, conceding at an economy rate of 9.19. RCB could still buy back the player using one of their three right to match cards during the auction.

However, RCB Director of Cricket Mo Bobat explained why Siraj was not retained by the franchise in a video after the retention announcement. Bobat did not give any hint about using the RTM, but revealed why Siraj was released into the auction.

Why RCB did not retain Mohammed Siraj ahead of IPL 2025 Mega Auction?

"Regarding Mohammed Siraj, not retaining him was our toughest decision. We value his contributions, having been a strong performer for RCB and India over the years," Bobat said.

"However, we wanted to enter the auction with as many options open as possible, especially to build a balanced bowling attack capable of competing effectively in the IPL and other formats."

Going by the above statement, Siraj could still be in RCB plans as a RTM pick. But the franchise will also try for other options in the auction as bowling at M Chinnaswamy Stadium is not easy job for even the best of bowlers.

Mohammed Shami, Deepak Chahar, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed and Arshdeep Singh will be among the Indian pacers in the big auction later this month. Also, the likes of Mitchell Starc, the most expensive player in IPL history, will also be available.

RCB, however, have kept their funds at Rs 83 Crore as they will look to buy two former players in Yuzvendra Chahal and KL Rahul at the Mega Auction. Siraj, Will Jacks, Faf Du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell will be among the RTM options for RCB.