Will RCB Win The IPL 2025?: Former CSK Icon Ambati Rayudu Gives An Ultimate Verdict

In a season that has already turned heads with unpredictable upsets and emergent stars, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have carved out a compelling storyline in the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Under the fresh leadership of Rajat Patidar, RCB have managed to not only overturn their legacy of inconsistency but have also sparked serious conversations about title contention. The loudest among their believers? None other than former Indian cricketer and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stalwart, Ambati Rayudu.

Appearing on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show, Rayudu delivered a resounding endorsement of RCB’s IPL 2025 campaign, boldly stating that this is the year RCB could finally go all the way. Echoing the passionate chant that has become synonymous with RCB fandom—“Ee Sala Cup Namde”—Rayudu brought both analytical insight and emotional investment to his commentary.

Let’s dive deep into RCB’s remarkable journey so far, dissect Rayudu’s statements, and understand why IPL 2025 might just be the year this long-awaited dream becomes reality.

Beating Giants in Their Own Fortresses: RCB’s Electric Start to IPL 2025

The buzz around RCB this season isn’t built on empty hype—it’s forged in gritty, statement-making victories. The men in red began their campaign by toppling the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens, a venue where they’ve traditionally faltered. The seven-wicket win was a comprehensive performance that saw RCB’s top order click and their bowling unit maintain sharp discipline.

But it was their second away game that truly shook the IPL ecosystem. Playing against CSK at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, RCB notched up a stunning 50-run victory—their first win in the fortress of the five-time champions since 2008. The moment wasn’t just a statistical anomaly. It was symbolic—a line in the sand declaring that RCB under Patidar were not here to repeat history, but to rewrite it.

Even after a home stumble against Gujarat Titans, RCB roared back in style by defeating the mighty Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium—another venue where RCB hadn’t won in over a decade. The 12-run win was as much about heart as it was about skill. It reflected a team learning how to handle pressure, lean into challenges, and believe in their process.

Rayudu’s Analysis: “Nobody Really Defeats RCB – It’s Always Themselves”

Ambati Rayudu, never one to mince words, dissected RCB’s past failures with precision.

“Nobody really defeats RCB – it’s always their own shortcomings,” said Rayudu.
“They’ve always had the team to win the IPL. That’s why we joke about them. Nobody talks about Delhi or Punjab this way—it’s always RCB because their team genuinely has potential.”

For fans who’ve watched RCB heartbreakingly fall short year after year—finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016, followed by years of underperformance—these words hit home. The narrative of “RCB have the team, but not the temperament” has haunted them for over a decade.

What makes this year different, according to Rayudu, is clarity and stability. While other franchises are still juggling combinations and roles, RCB appears to have a settled core. The top order featuring the likes of Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Will Jacks has clicked. The bowling unit, led by Mohammed Siraj and a resurgent Reece Topley, has shown teeth in crunch moments. Add to that the calm stewardship of Patidar—a captain unburdened by legacy and ego—and you begin to see what Rayudu sees.

The Patidar Effect: Fresh Leadership, Fresh Energy

It’s not often that a player who wasn’t even a regular in the playing XI two years ago is now leading one of the league’s most-followed franchises. But Rajat Patidar’s story is the kind that IPL thrives on.

Thrown into the leadership role amidst the franchise’s long-standing title drought and internal restructuring, Patidar hasn’t just survived—he has thrived. His captaincy is marked by a calm demeanor, tactical awareness, and a refreshing willingness to trust his players.

Off the field, his low-key personality has brought a sense of groundedness to a franchise often weighed down by expectations. On the field, he’s leading from the front, scoring crucial runs and making bold calls that have already paid dividends—most notably in the Chepauk victory, where he promoted himself up the order and delivered.

Rayudu was quick to recognize Patidar’s impact:

“This year, with Patidar as captain, ee sala cup RCB de. He brings a calmness that this team needed. They’re not panicking anymore. That’s a huge shift.”

Team Balance: RCB’s X-Factor in 2025

Rayudu also touched upon something every successful team in IPL history has had—a well-balanced XI. According to him, RCB has finally cracked this code.

Top Order: Kohli’s been in sublime touch, anchoring chases and setting up totals. Phil Salt provides aggressive intent, while Will Jacks and Patidar stabilize the middle overs.
Finishers: With players like Glenn Maxwell and Dinesh Karthik, RCB has two explosive options to close out innings with a bang.
Bowling Attack: Siraj, Topley, and Karn Sharma have handled pace and spin with equal finesse. The inclusion of an express bowler like Lockie Ferguson gives them edge on fast decks.
Fielding: RCB’s athleticism has improved remarkably. The number of runs saved and direct hits made have already contributed significantly to their wins.

Unlike previous years, the 2025 squad isn’t overly reliant on a few big names. It’s a collective effort, which is often the formula for title success.

Fan Reactions: Belief Rekindled

The RCB fanbase, one of the most loyal yet emotionally exhausted communities in cricket, has responded to this campaign with cautious optimism. The heartbreaks have been many, but something feels different this time. Social media is abuzz with clips of Rayudu’s interview, being shared with captions like:

“When even a CSK legend believes in us, you know something’s cooking.”
“Patidar for Prime Minister, Maxwell for MVP!”

The chant “Ee Sala Cup Namde” no longer feels like a meme—it feels like a mission.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Crucial Clashes

Despite the roaring start, RCB’s journey is far from over. The next few weeks will see them face formidable opponents, including Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants, both of whom are in good form. Consistency will be key—as Rayudu rightly pointed out, RCB’s biggest enemy has often been themselves.

Key upcoming fixtures:

RCB vs RR – A battle of young captains (Patidar vs Samson)
RCB vs LSG – A test against a side known for their death bowling
RCB vs CSK (return leg) – The ultimate redemption arc at the Chinnaswamy

Is This RCB’s Year?

So, is 2025 the year Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally lift the IPL trophy?

If Ambati Rayudu’s words are anything to go by, the answer might just be yes.

There’s belief. There’s balance. There’s leadership. And there’s a narrative—a long-awaited vindication not just for the team, but for the generations of fans who have stood by them through every choke, collapse, and close call.

In Rayudu’s bold declaration, perhaps lies a prophecy: