Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu has thrown his weight behind Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), calling them strong contenders for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 crown following their thrilling 12-run victory over Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium—a venue where they hadn't secured a win in the past decade.
The former batter stated his opinion that RCB could at last be on the verge of ending their title dry spell, which has been 18 years since the start of the tournament.
"They have a very established team this season," Rayudu said. "If you look at some of the struggling teams right now, it's because they're still trying out combinations. But RCB, and Delhi Capitals to a certain extent, and Punjab Kings too to a certain extent, have gotten their team composition well sorted out."
While RCB have usually been on the receiving end of light-hearted jibes for their failure to win a title in spite of having powerful teams, Rayudu feels that this season might be different.
"I love watching RCB play," he went on. "People kid around with them, not because Punjab or DC get spared—but because RCB always puts out a team that can win the IPL. The only thing preventing them has been themselves. But this year, with Rajat Patidar's captaincy, ee sala cup RCB de (this year, the cup is that of RCB)."
RCB are currently third in the points table, behind Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans on net run-rate, having picked up three out of four matches—all away from home.
Rayudu also praised Patidar's strategic acumen during their fast-paced encounter with MI. RCB put up a massive 222 and managed to keep their cool even as Mumbai appeared to be on the verge of running it down at 170/4 in the 16th over.
What impressed me most was Patidar's captaincy," Rayudu said. "Picking Bhuvi [Bhuvneshwar Kumar] for the attack early on was a masterstroke. The norm is to keep Bhuvi for the last few overs—19th or 20th. But using him earlier, when the team required experience and control, shifted the momentum in RCB's direction.
With pace on their side and top performers clicking, RCB's nightmare of winning their first-ever IPL title could come true this time around.
Read also| Kohli, Patidar, and Krunal Propel RCB to First Wankhede Victory in a Decade
Read also| Initially I was not able to digest being dropped from CT squad, Says Siraj
