Ravichandran Ashwin Opens RCB Doors – Ravichandran Ashwin Reveals Unfulfilled Dream of Playing for RCB
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A Legendary Career Looking Back
Ravichandran Ashwin concluded his illustrious IPL journey in mid-2025, solidifying his status as one of the most successful and cerebral bowlers in the history of the tournament. A two-time IPL champion and two-time Champions League T20 winner with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the Indian all-rounder had a storied career that saw him represent the Punjab Kings as captain, as well as the Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals.
Despite his decorated profile and extensive list of achievements, Ashwin recently offered a candid look into his past, revealing that his IPL journey felt incomplete in one specific aspect: he never donned the colors of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
The Unfulfilled Ambition
In a recent conversation on the Ash Ki Baat YouTube channel with Vimal Kumar, the 39-year-old opened up about his team preferences during his active playing days. While he expressed profound gratitude for his time at Chennai Super Kings, he identified two other franchises he had always longed to play for: the Rajasthan Royals and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Although he eventually realized his goal of playing for the Rajasthan Royals, where he spent three productive seasons, the prospect of playing at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium as a home player remained a dream. Ashwin reflected on his deep connection with the Bengaluru crowd, noting that he always felt a unique sense of encouragement while playing at the venue, even during high-stakes Test matches for the Indian national team. He also highlighted the proximity of the city to his hometown as an added factor for his affection.
Praising the RCB Resurgence
Ashwin’s admiration for RCB extends beyond his own personal desires; he has been deeply impressed by the franchise’s meteoric rise. After struggling for years, the Bengaluru-based team broke their trophy drought by winning their first-ever IPL title in 2025, defeating the Punjab Kings in the final. Under the astute captaincy of Rajat Patidar, the team has continued its dominant run into the 2026 season.
Reflecting on their success, Ashwin noted, “I am very happy for RCB. They deserve it. Luck is just not luck, luck is earned.” The veteran spinner believes that the transformation seen within the RCB camp is a testament to the hard work and tactical evolution the franchise has undergone over the past few years.
Dominance in IPL 2026
The current form of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru certainly validates Ashwin’s praise. Having topped the league stage points table, RCB has cemented its status as a powerhouse in the tournament. Their recent performance in the Qualifier 1 match against the Gujarat Titans in Dharamsala was a masterclass in aggressive cricket.
In a clinical display of power-hitting and discipline, RCB secured a resounding 92-run victory. Captain Rajat Patidar led from the front, delivering a blistering knock of 93* from just 33 deliveries, an innings highlighted by five boundaries and nine towering sixes. The bowling attack proved equally lethal, with Jacob Duffy and Bhuvneshwar Kumar combining to take five wickets, ultimately restricting the Titans to 162 runs in their chase of a daunting 255-run target.
As the franchise prepares for another final, the echoes of their recent success serve as a reminder of the culture shift within the team. For a veteran like Ashwin, who has seen the league evolve from its inception, seeing RCB transform from perennial underachievers into one of the most consistent outfits in the competition is a development he holds in high regard.
Whether or not he ever got to wear the jersey, Ashwin’s respect for the RCB journey underscores the massive impact the team has had on the landscape of modern cricket. As they look to defend their title, fans and critics alike are witnessing a golden era for the franchise, one that even legends of the game find hard not to admire.
