Ravichandran Ashwin admits he always wanted to play for RCB – Ravichandran Ashwin Reveals Surprise Desire to Play for RCB
A Surprising Revelation from a Cricket Veteran
In the high-stakes world of the Indian Premier League, loyalties are often viewed through a black-and-white lens, particularly when it comes to the fierce rivalry between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). However, Ravichandran Ashwin, a figure deeply intertwined with the history of the Chennai franchise, recently provided a perspective that challenges the established fan-driven discourse.
Ashwin, who boasts an illustrious career spanning 221 matches and 187 wickets, recently admitted that his heart was open to new horizons during the IPL 2025 mega-auction. While he ultimately returned to the familiar yellow jersey, he confessed that being picked by either the Rajasthan Royals or Royal Challengers Bengaluru would have been a source of genuine happiness.
Breaking the Myths of Fan Rivalry
For years, the internet has been rife with debates between CSK and RCB supporters. A common trope among the Chennai faithful has been the sarcastic, yet deeply held belief that no player who has ever donned the CSK jersey would ever desire to play for the Bengaluru-based franchise. It is viewed as a bridge burned or an unlikely career move.
Ashwin’s comments effectively dismantle this narrative. By openly stating that he would have been ‘very happy’ to represent RCB, he highlights that professional cricketers view franchises through a lens of respect, comfort, and appreciation for the crowd support, rather than the toxic tribalism often projected by online fanbases.
The Appeal of the Rajasthan Royals and RCB
Reflecting on his career path, Ashwin highlighted his fondness for the Rajasthan Royals, a team where he enjoyed significant success alongside Yuzvendra Chahal. His contributions with both ball and bat during his stint with the ‘Men in Pink’ left him with fond memories. He noted, ‘If I want to join any other team than CSK, then it’s RR or RCB. Had RR picked me instead of Chennai in that mega auction, I would have been very happy.’
The veteran spinner further elaborated on his interest in RCB, citing two specific factors: his personal performance history at their home ground and the electric atmosphere created by the Bengaluru crowd. ‘If they both didn’t pick me up and RCB did, then too I would have been happy,’ he admitted. This level of transparency suggests that the stature and legacy of RCB, despite their trophy drought, remain highly respected among the elite of the game.
A Legendary Career in Retrospect
Ravichandran Ashwin’s journey in the IPL is nothing short of extraordinary. Since his debut in 2009, he has featured for five different franchises, including the Rising Pune Super Giants, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and the Rajasthan Royals, alongside his long tenure at CSK. His career reached its conclusion following the 2025 season.
Throughout his time in the league, Ashwin was a serial finalist. He played in two IPL finals with the Delhi Capitals and the Rajasthan Royals, and was a key part of the Chennai Super Kings’ championship-winning squads in 2010 and 2011. While his most iconic moments were certainly in Chennai, his willingness to embrace new challenges late in his career defines the spirit of a true professional.
Final Thoughts
The admission from a player of Ashwin’s caliber serves as a reminder that the world of professional cricket is far more nuanced than what is seen in social media comments sections. While fans may be entrenched in their rivalries, players value the opportunity to contribute to a team, the quality of the dressing room, and the connection with fans across various stadiums. Ashwin’s respect for the RCB setup is a testament to the fact that the franchise continues to command respect from the legends of the game, regardless of the noise surrounding them.
