Mohammed Siraj’s exit from Royal Challengers Bengaluru before the IPL 2025 mega auction was a big surprise for fans. The pacer had been with the franchise for seven consecutive years, delivering match-winning spells and earning the trust of supporters. His passion and consistency made him one of the most recognisable players of RCB, which is why his release stirred debate across the cricketing community.
That very decision, however, paved the way for RCB to restructure their bowling attack and finally lift their maiden IPL trophy after 18 long years.
RCB’s director of cricket, Mo Bobat, has now shed light on what made them take the decision. He admitted that letting Siraj go was one of the hardest calls the team management had to make. According to Bobat, discussions went on for a long time about whether to retain him, release him or even use the Right to Match card. Indian fast bowlers with international experience are always valuable and the team weighed every possible option before making the final choice.
The management wanted to build a new bowling core and bringing in Bhuvneshwar Kumar was a top priority. Bobat explained that retaining Siraj alongside Bhuvneshwar would have been difficult both strategically and financially. Eventually, RCB secured Josh Hazlewood for ₹12.50 crore and Bhuvneshwar Kumar for ₹10.75 crore, while Siraj was picked up by Gujarat Titans for ₹12.25 crore.
The decisions bore fruit. Josh Hazlewood went on to win the Purple Cap with 22 wickets in just 12 matches, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 17 wickets were vital in RCB’s title run. Siraj, meanwhile, had a steady season with Gujarat Titans, taking 16 wickets in 15 matches. His contribution showed he still remains a force in the league, even if it was in a different jersey.
Mo Bobat also reflected on another tough call, i.e., not retaining Cameron Green. The Australian all-rounder had scored 255 runs and picked up 10 wickets in the IPL 2024. But injuries played a big part in the decision, as Bobat noted that Cameron Green would almost certainly have been retained if he had been fully fit.
For RCB, the changes were painful but necessary and in the end, they delivered the long-awaited trophy.
