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With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 wrapped up, where India emerged victorious for the third time, the focus now shifts to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, which kicks off on March 22. However, ahead of the much-anticipated tournament, former India batter Ambati Rayudu took a dig at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), mocking their faღilure to win an IPL title despite having a massive fan🐈base.
Rayudu’s latest comments came during the Hindi commentary panel for the Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand, where the discussion turned toward IPL teams. When Sanjay Ban🌃gar, former India batting coach and ex-RCB support staff, praised RCB’s consistency in reaching the playoffs over tಌhe last few years, Rayudu took the opportunity to poke fun at the franchise.
Ambati Rayudu’s witty dig at RCB’s playoff struggles
During the discussion, Bangar highlighted RCB’s recent performances, stating that the franchise had made the playoffs four times in the last five seasons, iᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚncluding their remarkable comeback in IPL 2024 after losing seven matches ear🐻ly on.
“The team’s performance has been consistent for the last 4-5 years. The side has reached playoffs on four occasions. Last year, after losing seven matches and then finishing in the playoffs, it was the greatest comeback. Once you make a comeback like this, the side can cross the next hurdle,” Bangar said.
However, Rayudu was quick to re🦄spond with a sharp-witted🌞 remark, suggesting that RCB might progress only as far as Qualifier 2 in IPL 2025, but winning the trophy is unlikely.
“Right, Sanjay Bhai. RCB will cross the next hurdle. So next time, RCB will reach Qualifier 2 (laughs),” Rayudu quipped.
His comment left Bangar laughing, who jokingly called it a “below-the-belt” remark before warning Rayudu that RCB fans were watching.
“This is so wrong. Hitting below the belt. I won’t be able to tolerate this. RCB fans are watching you,” Bangar said, laughing.
However💃🐼, Rayudu remained unfazed by any potential backlash from RCB’s passionate supporters.
“Let them watch. So what? Let them watch. Are you threatening me? Anyway, love for RCB fans (smiles),” Rayudu responded cheekily.
At this point, the show’s host reminded Bangar that Rayudu is a die-hard Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fan, which likely explains why he was so comfortable trolling ܫRCB.
Below the belt to RCB fans from Rayudu gaaru 🤣
— Vibhor (@Vibhor4CSK)
Also READ: IPL: Complete list of all RCB captains s💧o far ft. Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli
Rayudu previously hoped RCB ‘never wins IPL’
Rayudu has taken jabs at RCB’s inability to win a title before. Recently, during an episode of the Raw Talks Podcast, he mocked the idea of RCB winning the IPL someday, stating that he “hopes that year never comes.”
“I feel it’s a matter of time before they (RCB) will get the trophy. But definitely, I just hope and pray that year doesn’t come (laughing),” Rayudu had said on the podcast.
RCB is one of the most followed franchises in IPL history but remains one of the few original teams never to have lifted the trophy since the tournament’s inception in 2008. Despite having legendary players like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle and Faf du Plessis over the years, they have only reached the final three times (2009, 2011, and 2016), losing on all occasions. With Rajat Patidar now leading the t🎐eam in IPL 2025, RCB will h🍃ope to finally break their trophy drought.
IPL 2025: RCB’s season opener and key fixtures
The 18th edition of the IPL is set to begin on March 22, with RCB facing defending champions Kolkata Knight꧋ Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Here’s a look at some key fixtures in IPL 2025:
- March 22 – RCB vs. KKR (Eden Gardens, Kolkata)
- March 23 – CSK vs. MI (MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai)
- May 25 – IPL 2025 Final (Eden Gardens, Kolkata)
With Rayudu’s bold statements making headlines, all eyes will be on RCB’s performance this season to see if they can final💜ly silence their critics and claim their maiden IPL title.
