Ravichandran Ashwin Backs RCB For Another Title Within After IPL 2025

Ravichandran Ashwin believes RCB’s balanced squad and smart rebuild could help them clinch another IPL title within the next two years.

Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed strong confidence in Royal Challengers Bengaluru, suggesting that the franchise could secure another Indian Premier League title within the ongoing cycle. After finally ending their title drought in 2025, RCB have quickly emerged as one of the frontrunners heading into IPL 2026.

Ashwin believes the franchise’s recent success is no fluke, pointing to the solid structure and depth they have built following their long-awaited triumph.

“RCB can add another title in the next two years with this squad. Winning the IPL is not easy, but the building blocks they have, the kind of like-for-like replacements they have,” said Ashwin.

Smart Auction Strategy Strengthens Squad

RCB made a bold call after IPL 2024 by retaining only Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, and Rajat Patidar, before rebuilding their squad at the mega auction. Their acquisitions included Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

According to Ashwin, the franchise has effectively addressed key gaps and built a balanced squad capable of competing at the highest level.

“The way they have addressed the holes in the combination. This is a good package to finish in the top two,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Selection Flexibility and Overseas Depth

Ashwin also highlighted RCB’s flexibility in team selection, especially with the presence of multiple overseas options. With Hazlewood yet to join the squad due to fitness concerns, he feels the team could benefit from experimenting early in the tournament.

“In all honesty, this is a blessing in disguise for RCB. If RCB do not have Hazlewood, and they are concerned about Salt’s form, they can play both Salt and Bethell. And when Hazlewood returns, you will have a clearer picture,” Ashwin said.

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He further emphasised the strength of RCB’s overseas core, suggesting it could be among the best combinations in the tournament.

“I don’t think Venkatesh Iyer will play at the start. Brother, look at their foreign players. Salt, David, Shepherd, and Bethell. My god, that is a serious top four overseas combination that you can get. Probably one of the best in the tournament,” he concluded.