Ravichandran Ashwin Opens RCB Doors – Ravichandran Ashwin Reflects on Unfulfilled RCB Dream
A Legend’s Unspoken Desire
Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the most decorated bowlers in the history of the Indian Premier League, concluded his playing career in mid-2025 as a true titan of the game. With two IPL titles and two Champions League T20 victories under his belt while representing the Chennai Super Kings, his legacy is firmly cemented. Throughout his journey, he also donned the jerseys of the Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and the Rajasthan Royals. Yet, even with such a storied career, the 39-year-old recently shared an interesting revelation: he harbors a sense of longing for a team he never played for—the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
The Connection to Chinnaswamy
In a candid conversation on the ‘Ash Ki Baat’ YouTube channel with Vimal Kumar, Ashwin reflected on his career trajectory. When asked if there was any franchise he regretted missing out on, he acknowledged his immense gratitude for his time at Chennai Super Kings, but pointed toward the Rajasthan Royals and RCB as teams he would have loved to represent. While he did manage to fulfill his wish of playing for the Royals, the RCB chapter remained unwritten.
Ashwin highlighted a deep, personal connection to Bengaluru, specifically the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The legendary all-rounder noted, “I have good memories of playing at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium even in Test matches; the crowd there has supported me. And it is also near my hometown.” This geographic and emotional proximity, combined with the electric atmosphere of the venue, seemingly made RCB an attractive destination for the tactical genius.
Praising the RCB Revolution
The landscape of the IPL has shifted dramatically for RCB in recent times. After years of being perceived as underachievers, the franchise broke its curse in 2025 by securing its maiden IPL title against the Punjab Kings. Under the current leadership of Rajat Patidar, the team has sustained that momentum, topping the league stage in 2026 and securing a second consecutive appearance in the final.
Ashwin has been vocal in his appreciation for this transformation. “I am very happy for RCB. They deserve it. Luck is just not luck; luck is earned,” he remarked. His assessment highlights the hard work and structural shifts the organization has undertaken to turn a perennial struggle into a championship-winning culture.
Dominance in IPL 2026
The current form of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru serves as a testament to the success Ashwin alluded to. In the recently concluded Qualifier 1 of the 2026 season, RCB delivered a masterclass against the Gujarat Titans in Dharamsala. The performance was nothing short of clinical, resulting in a massive 92-run victory.
The catalyst for this performance was captain Rajat Patidar, who played an explosive innings, smashing 93* off just 33 balls—an onslaught that included nine sixes and five boundaries. With such a massive total on the board, the bowling attack, led by the clinical duo of Jacob Duffy and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, dismantled the Gujarat batting lineup for just 162 runs. With such a formidable display of both batting power and bowling discipline, RCB looks poised to potentially defend their title in what has become a fairytale era for the Bengaluru-based franchise.
The Evolution of a Franchise
The resurgence of RCB serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in T20 cricket. Ashwin, a student of the game who analyzes every nuance of strategy, clearly recognizes the growth of the team. As the tournament reaches its grand conclusion, the shadow of legends like Ashwin continues to hover over the league, with even the greatest players acknowledging the current dominance of the team from Bengaluru. Whether it is through the tactical brilliance of their leadership or the sheer firepower in their batting order, RCB has evolved into a force that truly commands respect.
