Ravichandran Ashwin Opens RCB Doors – Ravichandran Ashwin Reveals RCB Dream and Praises IPL 2026 Success
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The Unfulfilled Desire of a Legend: Ravichandran Ashwin and RCB
Ravichandran Ashwin concluded his illustrious Indian Premier League (IPL) career in mid-2025 as one of the most successful and respected bowlers in the tournament’s history. A master tactician and a fierce competitor, Ashwin’s trophy cabinet boasts two IPL titles and two Champions League T20 (CLT20) trophies, all achieved during his golden years with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Later in his career, he also took on leadership roles, briefly captaining the Punjab Kings, before representing the Delhi Capitals and the Rajasthan Royals in the twilight of his playing days.
Despite such a celebrated and diverse career across multiple prominent franchises, the 39-year-old recently revealed that one major aspiration remained unfulfilled. Ashwin confessed that he always harbored a deep desire to represent the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during his active playing days, an opportunity that unfortunately never materialized before his retirement.
Ashwin Reflects on His Affection for Bengaluru and the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
While speaking with Vimal Kumar on the popular YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin was asked if there was any particular franchise he wished he had played for during his extensive IPL career. While the legendary off-spinner was quick to reiterate his deep love and fondness for his home franchise, Chennai Super Kings, he openly admitted that both the Rajasthan Royals and RCB were teams he always wanted to play for.
While he managed to fulfill one of those wishes by playing three highly successful seasons for the Rajasthan Royals, donning the iconic red and gold of Royal Challengers Bengaluru remained an elusive dream. Explaining his special connection to Bengaluru, Ashwin highlighted his incredible memories at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The venue has always held a special place in his heart, not just for IPL matches, but also for the unwavering support he received from the local crowd while playing Test matches for Team India. Furthermore, its geographical proximity to his hometown of Chennai made the franchise a natural and attractive destination.
Reflecting on this, the champion cricketer stated: “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 its also near my home town.”
Praising the Golden Era of RCB: Ashwin Salutes IPL 2026 Finalists
Ashwin’s comments come at a time when Royal Challengers Bengaluru are experiencing an unprecedented era of dominance. Long regarded as the league’s perpetual underachievers, RCB completely transformed their fortunes under the astute leadership of Rajat Patidar. The franchise broke its long-standing title drought in 2025, securing their first-ever IPL trophy by defeating the Punjab Kings in a thrilling final.
Rather than resting on their laurels, RCB continued their stellar form into the IPL 2026 season. They absolutely dominated the league stage, topping the points table to secure their place as firm favorites. With the team securing another spot in the grand finale, Ashwin expressed his immense joy for the franchise’s dramatic turnaround over the past two seasons, acknowledging that their success is a product of sheer hard work and determination.
“I am very happy for RCB. They deserve it. Luck is just not luck, luck is earned,” the former Indian spinner remarked, praising the team’s professional culture and mental resilience.
RCB’s Dominant March to the Final: Thrashed Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1
RCB’s current run of form perfectly validates Ashwin’s high praise. The franchise has established itself as arguably the most consistent and formidable outfit in the league, standing on the cusp of securing back-to-back IPL titles. Their latest statement of intent came during the high-stakes Qualifier 1 match of the IPL 2026 season, played in the picturesque stadium of Dharamsala.
Facing the formidable Gujarat Titans, RCB put on a masterclass in aggressive modern-day cricket. Leading from the front, captain Rajat Patidar played a breathtaking, unbeaten knock of 93* runs off just 33 deliveries. His sensational innings was decorated with five boundaries and nine towering sixes, propelling RCB to a monumental total of 254 runs.
In response, the Gujarat Titans’ batting lineup crumbled under the immense pressure of the mammoth chase. RCB’s bowling unit rose to the occasion, led by the clinical duo of Jacob Duffy and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Sharing five wickets between them, they dismantled the Titans’ batting order, bundling them out for a mere 162 runs. The emphatic 92-run victory sealed RCB’s ticket directly to their second consecutive IPL final, cementing their status as the team to beat in 2026.
