Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj recently revealed that parting ways with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) after a long and emotionally charged seven-season stint was a deeply moving experience. Siraj, who made significant strides in his cricketing career during his time with the Bengaluru-based franchise, especially expressed gratitude towards Virat Kohli, calling him a “pillar of strength” during some of the most challenging moments of his journey.
Speaking in a candid interview with Cricbuzz, Siraj admitted that RCB was more than just a team for him—it had become like a second family.
“RCB was where I found my confidence,” Siraj said. “The franchise backed me even when things weren’t going great. And most of that support came from Virat bhai. He always believed in me, even when the numbers didn’t reflect it.”
Siraj joined RCB in 2017 and over the years, evolved from a raw pace talent to one of the most dependable fast bowlers in India’s white and red-ball setup. His rise in the IPL played a key role in his selection for the Indian national team, especially in Test cricket where he became a frontline bowler under the leadership of Kohli and later Rohit Sharma.
His bond with Virat Kohli, the former RCB captain, has been widely recognized and appreciated by fans and cricket experts alike. The Hyderabad-born pacer credited Kohli for not only standing by him during lean phases but also for guiding him through personal grief, including the loss of his father in 2020 while he was on national duty in Australia.
“There was a time when I was low on confidence and not delivering the way I should have,” Siraj recalled. “But Virat bhai never gave up on me. He would come up to me, speak positively, and remind me of my potential. That kind of faith changes you as a player and as a person.”
Siraj’s most memorable IPL performance in the RCB jersey came during the 2020 season, where he became the first bowler in IPL history to bowl two maidens in a single match. His career-best figures of 4/21 against Kolkata Knight Riders earned him accolades across the cricketing world. RCB’s trust in him during those initial tough seasons eventually bore fruit as he emerged as one of the leading wicket-takers in subsequent years.
However, in the latest round of IPL player transfers and team reshuffling ahead of the 2025 season, RCB decided to release Siraj in a strategic move aimed at revamping their bowling unit. Siraj was subsequently picked up by another franchise (yet to debut in IPL 2025), marking the end of his seven-year journey with the Bengaluru side.
“Leaving RCB wasn’t easy,” Siraj admitted. “I had tears in my eyes when I packed up for the last time. So many memories, friendships, ups and downs—we went through a lot together.”
Fans of RCB also took to social media to express their disappointment and emotional attachment to Siraj’s departure. Many hailed him as one of the most loyal and hardworking players the franchise had seen in recent years.
RCB, in an official statement, acknowledged Siraj’s contribution: “Mohammed Siraj has been an integral part of our journey, and we are proud of what he has achieved. We wish him nothing but success in his future endeavours.”
As he begins a new chapter in his IPL career, Siraj remains focused on performing for his new team while carrying forward the lessons and experiences he gained under Kohli’s mentorship.
“Whatever I am today, a big part of that credit goes to RCB and especially to Virat bhai,” Siraj concluded.
Source: Interview excerpts and official statements reported by Cricbuzz and IPLT20.com.
