Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has shared his thoughts on Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) impressive start in the IPL 2025 season. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that the Bengaluru-based team has a pretty set combination, adding that they might end their trophy drought this year.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a 12-run win over Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday, April 7. This was RCB’s third win in four games in the ongoing season. They also bounced back from their loss against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in their previous match in Bengaluru last week.
They Have a Pretty Set Combination – Ambati Rayudu
Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show, Ambati Rayudu said that RCB has a stable combination, unlike other struggling teams still experimenting with their playing XI. Rayudu also stated that Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) have good teams.
“If you look at their team, they have a pretty set combination,” Ambati Rayudu said on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show.
“If you see the teams that are not doing well in the IPL, they are still trying their combinations. But RCB is one team, along with Delhi [Capitals (DC) and Punjab [Kings (PBKS)] to some extent, who have got their combinations well set for the season,” he added.
Ee Sala Cup RCB De – Ambati Rayudu
Ambati Rayudu said that Royal Challengers Bengaluru can end their long wait for an IPL title. He mentioned that RCB hasn’t won despite building squads capable of doing so. However, Rayudu added that things could be different under Rajat Patidar’s leadership.
“I have always enjoyed their [RCB’s] cricket. We have fun at their expense, only because nobody talks about DC or Punjab. Only because RCB always has a team that can win the IPL,” Rayudu added.
“But somehow, they come short because of their own shortcomings. Nobody else defeats them, it’s them. But this year, with [Rajat] Patidar [as captain], ee sala cup RCB de (this year the cup is RCB’s).”
Rajat Patidar started his debut season as RCB captain with the team winning all three of their away matches — against Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai. RCB are currently third in the standings, with the same points as Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans.
RCB Set to Face Delhi Capitals in Their Upcoming IPL 2025 Clash
Batting first, RCB scored 221 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 20 overs. Virat Kohli (67), Rajat Patidar (64), and Devdutt Padikkal (37) provided a crucial start before Jitesh Sharma, who remained unbeaten on 40, smashed MI bowlers in the death overs.
Tilak Varma (56) anchored the innings, and Hardik Pandya provided late fireworks with a 15-ball 42. However, the home team finished at 209/9.
Krunal Pandya (4/45) was the pick of the bowlers for MI, while Josh Hazlewood (2/37) and Yash Dayal (2/46) held their nerve in the death overs to seal the win. Mumbai suffered their fourth defeat in five games this season.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to face Delhi Capitals in their upcoming IPL 2025 fixture on Thursday, April 10. The match will take place at RCB’s home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Also read: BCCI Unloads Severe Penalty On Rajat Patidar And RCB After Wankhede Showdown