Ravichandran Ashwin Opens RCB Doors – Ravichandran Ashwin’s Unfulfilled RCB Dream & Bengaluru’s IPL Dominance

Ravichandran Ashwin, a name synonymous with cricketing excellence, etched an indelible mark on the Indian Premier League (IPL) throughout his illustrious career. Concluding his IPL journey in mid-2025, Ashwin retired as one of the league’s most successful bowlers. A two-time IPL champion and a two-time CLT20 winner with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise, the legendary Indian all-rounder also briefly captained Punjab Kings and represented Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals during the latter stages of his playing days. His distinguished profile boasts an impressive array of achievements, yet a recent revelation has brought to light an unexpected, unfulfilled aspiration.

Despite his storied career, Ashwin recently expressed a heartfelt desire to have represented the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during his time as a player. The 39-year-old indirectly admitted that donning the red and gold jersey of the Bengaluru franchise remains a poignant, unfulfilled dream from his extensive IPL journey. This sentiment offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a cricketing icon, highlighting that even the most accomplished players can harbor such personal wishes.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s Unfulfilled Desire to Play for RCB

The revelation came during an engaging conversation with Vimal Kumar on the ‘Ash Ki Baat’ YouTube channel. When asked about any franchise he wished to play for during his IPL career, Ravichandran Ashwin responded with candid honesty. While he cherishes his happy memories from his successful tenure with CSK, he openly admitted to wanting to play for both the Rajasthan Royals and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchises.

While Ashwin did indeed fulfill part of that wish by playing three seasons for the Rajasthan Royals, the opportunity to represent RCB ultimately eluded him. The legendary off-spinner articulated his deep appreciation for playing at RCB’s spiritual home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. He spoke warmly of the immense encouragement and support he received from the Bengaluru crowd, even during Test matches for Team India. The proximity of the stadium to his hometown also added a personal touch to his desire, making the Chinnaswamy a special venue for him.

“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,” Ashwin shared, underscoring the personal connection he felt with the city and its passionate cricketing faithful.

RCB’s Remarkable Resurgence and Ashwin’s Praise

Ashwin’s reflections on his unfulfilled RCB dream coincide with a truly golden era for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The franchise, long considered perennial underachievers despite their star-studded lineups, dramatically turned their fortunes around in recent seasons. Back in 2025, RCB achieved a historic milestone, clinching their first-ever IPL title by defeating Punjab Kings in a memorable final. This triumph marked a pivotal moment, transforming the narrative around the team.

Building on that success, RCB, under the astute leadership of Rajat Patidar, has continued its formidable run. This season, in IPL 2026, the franchise has once again reached the final, a testament to their consistency and strategic prowess, after topping the league stage points table with a dominant performance. Their journey showcases a remarkable transformation, evolving into one of the most consistent and formidable outfits in the tournament.

Witnessing this spectacular turnaround, Ravichandran Ashwin was quick to heap praise on the RCB franchise. The former cricketer expressed his genuine happiness for the team, acknowledging their hard-earned success.

“I am very happy for RCB. They deserve it. Luck is just not luck, luck is earned,” Ashwin asserted, highlighting that RCB’s current dominance is not mere chance but the result of dedication, strategic planning, and exceptional on-field performances.

Dominant Performance in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1

Ravichandran Ashwin’s observations about RCB’s remarkable resurgence are perfectly aligned with their recent performances. The team is indeed riding a wave of unprecedented success, having shed its tag of underachievers to become a powerhouse. Their journey to a second successive IPL final underscores their newfound consistency and championship mentality, making them firm favorites to defend their title.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru emphatically demonstrated their dominance in the first qualifier match of the IPL 2026 season earlier this week. Facing the Gujarat Titans in Dharamsala, RCB delivered a crushing performance, thrashing their opponents by a massive 92 runs. This victory was a clear statement of intent, showcasing their readiness for the grand finale.

Captain Rajat Patidar led his side from the front with an absolutely scintillating display of batting. He smashed an unbeaten 93 runs off just 33 balls, an innings studded with five boundaries and nine towering sixes. His aggressive approach and impeccable timing set the tone for RCB’s imposing total of 254 runs. The Gujarat Titans, chasing a daunting target of 255, simply crumbled under pressure.

The RCB bowlers then took center stage, collectively dismantling the Titans’ batting lineup. Jacob Duffy and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were particularly instrumental, picking up five crucial wickets between them. Their combined efforts ensured that the Titans were bundled out for a mere 162 runs, sealing a comprehensive victory for RCB and propelling them confidently into the final. This clinical performance further cemented their status as the team to beat in IPL 2026.

As RCB prepares for their second consecutive final, the cricketing world watches keenly. Ashwin’s past desire and current praise add another layer of intrigue to their remarkable story, proving that some dreams, even if unfulfilled for a player, can inspire appreciation for a team’s eventual triumph.