IPL 2025: Why didn’t RCB retain Mohammed Siraj? Cricket Team Director Answers | Cricket News

File photo of Mohammed Siraj. Image: BCCI Photo

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have selected three players they want to retain. ahead IPL 2025 mega auction at the end of November. Virat Kohli (Rs 21 crore), Rajat Patidar (Rs 11 crore) and Yash Dayal uncapped (Rs 5 crore) remain in the franchise.
RCB decided not to retain the services of captain Faf du Plessis, all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Will Jacks and a fast bowler. Mohammed Siraj.

Siraj, who joined the franchise in 2018 for a fee of Rs. The 2.2-crore pick in the auction was one of the deadliest picks for a bowling team in recent years.
Since joining RCB, Siraj has taken 83 wickets in 87 matches, with his best figures of 4/21 coming in the 2023 season. Last season, he took 15 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 33.07, an economy of 9.19 and a strike rate of 21.60.
Explaining the reason for not selecting Siraj, the team’s director of cricket. Moe Bobath said: “Not keeping him was our hardest decision. We value his contribution as he has delivered good results for RCB and India over the years.”
“However, we wanted to go into the auction with as many options open as possible, especially to create a balanced bowling attack that can compete effectively in the IPL and other formats,” he added.
Talking about retention options, he said: “Prioritizing a strong Indian core at the auction stage is critical for us and our retention reflects this decision. Retaining our players was an easy choice, especially given their performance last year.”