Ravichandran Ashwin Opens RCB Doors – Ravichandran Ashwin Reveals RCB Regret & Praises IPL 2026 Finalists
The Unfulfilled Dream of Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin concluded his highly decorated IPL career in mid-2025, leaving behind a legacy that few can match. As a two-time IPL champion and a two-time Champions League T20 (CLT20) winner with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the off-spin wizard established himself as an all-time great of the league. Over his long career, he also briefly captained the Punjab Kings and represented other marquee franchises, including Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals, during the latter years of his playing days.
Despite enjoying a career filled with trophies and individual milestones, the 39-year-old recently revealed that one major desire remains unfulfilled. Ashwin confessed that he always harbored a deep-seated aspiration to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), a franchise he never had the opportunity to represent during his active playing years.
Why the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium Holds a Special Place
Speaking in a candid conversation with Vimal Kumar on the Ash Ki Baat YouTube channel, Ashwin was asked if there was any particular franchise he wished he had played for during his career. While the legendary spinner was quick to emphasize his immense happiness and fond memories of playing for Chennai Super Kings, he admitted there were two other teams he deeply wanted to represent.
Ashwin revealed that those two franchises were the Rajasthan Royals and RCB. While he did eventually spend three successful seasons with the Rajasthan Royals, the chance to wear the RCB red and gold eluded him. He highlighted his strong connection with the passionate fans at RCB’s home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, as a key reason behind this wish.
“I played for CSK and I was happy,” Ashwin shared during the interview. “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 it is also near my hometown.”
The geographical proximity of Bengaluru to his hometown of Chennai, combined with the vocal encouragement he consistently received from the local crowd—even while representing Team India in red-ball cricket—made the franchise a highly appealing destination for the veteran bowler.
Ashwin Applauds RCB’s Historic Turnaround and IPL 2026 Dominance
While Ashwin’s playing days are in the past, he continues to follow the tournament closely and has been highly impressed by RCB’s recent exploits. Back in 2025, the franchise finally broke its championship drought by defeating Punjab Kings in a thrilling final to secure its maiden IPL title. Under the astute leadership of Rajat Patidar, RCB has maintained its dominant run, topping the league stage points table in the IPL 2026 season and storming into yet another final.
With RCB now looking like firm favorites to defend their crown, Ashwin praised the team’s management and players for orchestrating a historic turnaround over the past two seasons. The former cricketer expressed genuine joy for the franchise’s success, stating that their rise to the top is a result of hard work rather than mere fortune.
“I am very happy for RCB. They deserve it. Luck is just not luck, luck is earned,” Ashwin remarked, acknowledging the systematic effort that has turned the former perennial underachievers into the most formidable team in the competition.
Qualifier 1 Masterclass: RCB Defeats Gujarat Titans to Reach the Final
RCB’s current performance fully validates Ashwin’s high praise. The team has transitioned into a highly consistent, clinical unit, as demonstrated by their commanding victory in the first qualifier of the IPL 2026 season. Facing the Gujarat Titans in Dharamsala, RCB registered a massive 92-run victory to secure their spot in a second consecutive IPL final.
The victory was spearheaded by captain Rajat Patidar, who played a sensational, captain’s knock. Patidar absolutely decimated the opposition bowling attack, blasting an unbeaten 93* runs off just 33 deliveries. His explosive innings was decorated with five boundaries and nine towering sixes, propelling RCB to a monumental total of 254.
In response, Gujarat Titans struggled to keep up with the steep run rate under intense pressure. RCB’s bowling unit rose to the occasion, led by Jacob Duffy and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who shared five wickets between them. The clinical bowling display bundled out the Titans for 162, wrapping up a comprehensive victory and putting RCB one step closer to defending their IPL crown.
