Veteran India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a bold prediction regarding Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) chances of lifting their maiden IPL title in 2025. According to Ashwin, if RCB are to finally break their title drought, they need one big favour—from Gujarat Titans. The Titans must knock out the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Eliminator. Ashwin believes that if MI manage to reach the final, they would have a significant edge over Bengaluru.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin explained that Mumbai’s experience and championship pedigree make them the one side capable of upsetting RCB’s rhythm in the final. “If RCB have to win the IPL, then Gujarat Titans should beat Mumbai Indians. You cannot allow Mumbai to enter the final—they must be stopped at all costs,” he stated.

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Ravichandran Ashwin further added, “RCB will be nervously hoping Mumbai don’t make it through. They are the only side that can realistically challenge RCB in the final. While it looks like this could be RCB’s year, cricket is a game of uncertainties.”

The spinner also touched upon Virat Kohli’s personal journey, saying, “I don’t want to make this only about Virat, but it’s hard not to feel this might finally be RCB’s year. People always pointed to his lack of an ICC or IPL trophy. Maybe this is the year he silences all of that.”

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RCB stormed into their fourth IPL final—first since 2016—with a commanding eight-wicket win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1. After bundling out PBKS for just 101 in 14.1 overs, RCB chased down the target in only 10 overs, courtesy of a fiery 56* off 27 balls from Phil Salt.

While Bengaluru await their final opponent, Punjab will have one more opportunity when they face the winner of MI vs GT in Qualifier 2 on June 1 at Ahmedabad.