Probably one of the saddest parts - Dinesh Karthik on RCB letting go of Mohammed Siraj and Will Jacks

Social media was abuzz when RCB opted to look beyond seamer Mohammed Siraj and dynamic all-rounder Will Jacks as RTM options in the IPL 2025 Mega Auctions, prompting questions asking why the think-tank didn’t have the duo in their plans.

However, in a bid to set the record straight, Dinesh Karthik explained the RCB blueprint and put forth the reasons as to why they weren’t able to re-sign either.

On Siraj, DK said, “Mohammed Siraj has been a terrific bowler for us. One that we were very proud to have. But the beauty of the auction is that there are players that come on day 1 and day 2. So, you need to understand where your priorities are, how you are going to bid.”

He continued, “Now, with Siraj we were very keen on him. Again, the price that he went for was a bit too expensive at that point of time to invest because we needed to get other players. You don't want to get into a bidding war when you know that at that point of time, you don't want to spend that money. That's how the auction works.”

DK also shared an insight into how Jacks was a priority RTM pick, but eventually the construction of the team before the Englishman came up for bidding played a catalyst to the decision.

He said, “With Will Jacks, we were very, very keen on him, a very strong RTM option. But have a look at our team. We have Phil Salt there, the opener. So, you have to get power through the middle. And hence, the likes of (Liam) Livingstone and Tim David, who bring the power that we want. So, at some point in the team, you need to understand what the dynamics and what the other options could be.”

Karthik also had a heartfelt message for both and said, “It is probably one of the saddest parts that we had to let Mohamed Siraj and Will Jacks go. And I wish them all the very best. Both of them have gone to good teams. But the fact is that we tried hard. They were part of the plan.”