India's star pacer Mohammed Siraj penned a heartfelt farewell message to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), expressing his gratitude to the franchise and its fans.

Siraj emphasized that his departure was not a goodbye, but rather an opportunity to acknowledge the platform RCB provided for him to grow and develop as a cricketer.

Siraj's seven-year stint with RCB came to a close on Sunday when the Bengaluru-based franchise made the decision not to retain the Indian pacer during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, which took place in Jeddah.

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Gujarat Titans (GT) successfully acquired the services of fast bowler Siraj for a staggering Rs 12.25 crore. Notably, RCB, Siraj's former team, opted not to exercise their Right to Match card.

The star speedster has featured in 87 matches for RCB and bagged 83 wickets in the IPL. 

Siraj's Letter to RCB

"To my dear RCB,

"Saat saal RCB ke saat mere dil ke bahut kareeb hail (The 7 years with RCB are close to my heart) As I take look back on my time in an RCB shirt my heart is full of gratitude, love and emotion.

"The day I first wore the RCB jersey, I never imagined the bond we would form. From the first ball I bowled in RCB colours, to every wicket taken, every match played, every moment shared with you, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. There have been ups and downs, but through it all, one thing has been constant: your unwavering support. RCB is more than just a franchise; it’s a feeling, a heartbeat, a family that feels like home.

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"There were nights when the losses hurt deeper than words can explain, but it was your voices in the stands, your messages on social media, your constant belief that kept me going. You, the fans of RCB, are the soul of this team. The energy you bring, the love you give, the faith you show, it’s unmatched. Every time I stepped onto that field, I felt the weight of your dreams and hopes, and I gave it my all because I knew you were right there behind me, pushing me to be better.

"I have seen your tears when we’ve fallen short, and I’ve witnessed your celebrations when we’ve risen to the occasion. And let me tell you, there’s no fanbase in the world like you. Your love, your dedication, your loyalty—it’s something I will cherish for the rest of my life.

"Though I now step into a new chapter of my career, RCB will always have a piece of my heart. This isn’t goodbye—this is a thank you. Thank you for believing in me, for embracing me, and for making me feel like a part of something much bigger than just cricket."