Okay, let’s get straight to the point. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) absolutely must bring Mohammed Siraj back to their team, and using their Right to Match (RTM) card is the way to do it. While he may not be a Jasprit Bumrah of their team, Siraj has not done anything majorly wrong to be moved on by RCB.
RCB need Mohammed Siraj!
First, let’s talk about what Siraj means to RCB’s bowling at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Anyone who’s watched cricket there knows it’s a nightmare for bowlers – small boundaries, a flat pitch, and huge scores that make bowlers want to quit. But Siraj? He’s figured it out. He’s taken 26 wickets in just 79 overs in 21 innings at this ground. That’s not just good, it’s incredible. Moreover, his economy rate at the venue isn’t touching nine runs per over either, despite many presume Siraj of being the one to leak many runs. While other bowlers struggle and their economy rates skyrocket at the Chinnaswamy, Siraj has turned it into his own personal hunting ground.
Then there’s the death bowling – RCB’s eternal achilles heel. Last season, Siraj was a revelation at the death, maintaining an economy of 8.92. Only Bumrah did better. Let that sink in. At a ground where even 220 isn’t safe, having a death bowler who can keep it under 9 is like finding gold in your backyard.
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3 RTMs left for RCB, one should be on Siraj
The Bengaluru franchise has only retained three players – Virat Kohli (₹21cr), Rajat Patidar (₹11cr) and Yash Dayal (₹5cr). Hence, they got as many as three RTM cards left with them, the second most by any franchise after PBKS (4).
Being one of the senior local pacers, Siraj is expected to attract bids from multiple franchises. But RCB, with ₹83 crore in their bank, have that purse to bring back a bowler who has a great fan base in Bengaluru. RCB’s got the purse to make this happen. They’ve got the RTM card. What they need now is the conviction to use it. Siraj isn’t just another player; he’s been their bowling backbone. He understands the venue, knows the pressure of bowling for RCB, and most importantly, he’s delivered. Siraj has been with the franchise since seven seasons now. Will he be able to continue at the franchise from IPL 2025 onwards? Only the time will tell.
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