Ravichandran Ashwin Opens RCB Doors – Ravichandran Ashwin Reveals Unfulfilled RCB Dream Amid Bengaluru’s IPL Dominance

Ravichandran Ashwin, a name synonymous with cricketing excellence and strategic brilliance, recently concluded an illustrious Indian Premier League (IPL) career in mid-2025. Over his remarkable journey, Ashwin etched his name into the league’s history books as one of its most successful and respected bowlers. A true stalwart of the game, his trophy cabinet boasts two IPL titles and two Champions League Twenty20 (CLT20) victories, all achieved during his foundational years with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise. Beyond his significant contributions to CSK, the legendary Indian all-rounder also took on leadership responsibilities, briefly captaining the Punjab Kings, and later lent his vast experience to teams like the Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals during the latter stages of his playing tenure.

Despite accumulating such a distinguished and decorated profile in the world’s premier T20 league, Ashwin recently brought to light an unfulfilled aspiration from his IPL journey. The veteran cricketer expressed a heartfelt desire to have represented the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at some point during his active playing days, an indirect admission that playing for the Bengaluru-based franchise remains a significant void in his otherwise complete cricketing narrative.

Ashwin’s Unspoken Desire to Don the RCB Jersey

The revelation came during an insightful conversation with Vimal Kumar on the ‘Ash Ki Baat’ YouTube channel, where Ravichandran Ashwin was directly asked about any particular franchise he wished to have played for during his extensive IPL career. While Ashwin promptly acknowledged the abundance of happy memories forged during his time with CSK, he candidly named two other franchises that held a special place in his professional desires: the Rajasthan Royals and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

While fate eventually led Ashwin to play three seasons for the Rajasthan Royals, fulfilling at least one of his additional wishes, the opportunity to represent RCB ultimately remained an elusive dream. The legendary all-rounder elaborated on his fondness for RCB’s spiritual home, the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. He recounted receiving immense encouragement and support from the passionate Bengaluru crowd, not just during IPL fixtures but even in Test matches while representing Team India. This connection with the venue and its vibrant supporters, coupled with the stadium’s proximity to his hometown, were key factors in his unspoken wish.

“I played for CSK and I was happy. But if there was some other franchise I would have loved to play for, they were Rajasthan Royals and RCB. I have good memories of playing at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium even in Test matches, the crowd there has supported me. And it’s also near my home town,” Ashwin stated, reflecting on his career aspirations.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Resurgence and Dominance

Interestingly, Ashwin’s retrospective desire emerges at a time when the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise is experiencing an unprecedented golden era. Just last year, in 2025, RCB famously broke their long-standing IPL title drought, clinching their maiden championship by triumphing over the Punjab Kings in a thrilling final. This historic victory marked a profound turning point for a franchise often lauded for its star power but frequently criticized for its inability to convert potential into silverware.

Building on that monumental success, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, under the astute leadership of captain Rajat Patidar, have continued their remarkable ascent. The team has not only reached yet another IPL final in the ongoing 2026 season but also topped the league stage points table with a dominant performance, showcasing their consistency and formidable strength. This exceptional run positions them as firm favourites to defend their title, a feat that would solidify their status as a true powerhouse in the league.

Ashwin Applauds RCB’s Earned Success

Observing this phenomenal turnaround, Ravichandran Ashwin was effusive in his praise for the RCB franchise. The former cricketer expressed genuine happiness for their renewed fortunes, acknowledging the significant transformation the team has undergone in just a couple of seasons. His comments underscore the widespread recognition of RCB’s hard-earned success and their evolution from perennial underachievers to a dominant force.

“I am very happy for RCB. They deserve it. Luck is just not luck, luck is earned,” Ashwin remarked, highlighting the dedication and effort behind Bengaluru’s recent achievements.

Indeed, mirroring Ashwin’s sentiments, the RCB franchise is undeniably riding a remarkable wave of resurgence. Their journey from being a team known for star-studded lineups that often faltered at crucial junctures to one of the most consistent and formidable outfits in the tournament has been nothing short of spectacular. Their current form suggests they are exceedingly well-prepared to make it two IPL titles in a row, having already secured a spot in their second successive final.

Qualifier 1 Domination: RCB Storms into Final

The extent of RCB’s current dominance was vividly demonstrated earlier this week in the first Qualifier match of the IPL 2026 season. In a breathtaking display of power-hitting and disciplined bowling, RCB comprehensively thrashed the Gujarat Titans by a massive margin of 92 runs in Dharamsala. This commanding victory served as a clear statement of intent from the defending champions.

Leading from the front, captain Rajat Patidar played a captain’s knock that will be remembered for seasons to come. He unleashed an astonishing unbeaten innings of 93 runs from a mere 33 balls, an innings punctuated by five elegant boundaries and nine colossal sixes. His explosive batting propelled RCB to an imposing total that proved insurmountable for their opponents.

In the chase of 255 runs, the Gujarat Titans’ batting line-up crumbled under pressure, thanks to a clinical bowling performance by RCB. Jacob Duffy and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were particularly outstanding, sharing five crucial wickets between them. Their incisive bowling ensured that the Titans were bundled out for a paltry 162, securing RCB’s emphatic passage to the final. This dominant performance not only secured their place in the championship decider but also reinforced the perception that this iteration of Royal Challengers Bengaluru is a team truly playing at the peak of its powers, deserving of all the accolades coming its way.