Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, emphasised the importance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to avoid facing Mumbai Indians (MI) in the final of the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025).
Notably, RCB have stormed into the IPL 2025 final, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by eight wickets in Qualifier 1 at Mullanpur on Thursday. RCB's bowlers dismantled PBKS for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs with standout performances from Josh Hazlewood (3/21) and Suyash Sharma (3/17). Phil Salt's unbeaten 56 runs off 27 balls ensured RCB chased down the target in just 10 overs, also confirming their first appearance in an IPL final since 2016.
As RCB now wait for their opponent for the final scheduled on June 3 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the spotlight turns to the Eliminator between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Gujarat Titans (GT). The winner of this clash will face PBKS in Qualifier 2, with the victor advancing to the final.
Also read: IPL 2025: "1 More To Go" - Virat Kohli Ecstatic After He Closes in On Maiden IPL Glory
Ravichandran Ashwin Claims MI are RCB’s Biggest Threat
RCB look like a side ready to go the distance. They are only one win away from lifting their maiden title.
But even as they await their opponent for the summit clash, the warnings are already coming in. And one of them comes from someone who knows how to read the game like few others, Ravichandran Ashwin.
In the latest episode of his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, the veteran India spinner said RCB need to avoid Mumbai Indians in the final at all costs.
"If RCB have to win the IPL, then Gujarat Titans should win against Mumbai Indians. MI are one team that you cannot allow to enter the final, you have to stop them at any cost," Ashwin said as quoted.
He did not stop there. Ashwin believes RCB would be much more comfortable facing Gujarat Titans if they had the choice.
"RCB will keep their fingers crossed to not have Mumbai Indians in the final. Mumbai Indians is the only team that has some chance against RCB. It looks like RCB are going the distance, but it is cricket; anything can happen. If I were RCB, my best finalist team would be Gujarat Titans. If I was RCB, I would want to face Gujarat Titans," he added.
The concern is understandable. MI are the five-time champions and have a reputation for coming alive in the playoffs. They first need to beat Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator and then overcome Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2 to make the final. But if they do, Ashwin reckons they could be the one side capable of spoiling RCB’s dream.
"Virat Kohli Will Stand Up in the Big Game", Says Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin also reflected on Virat Kohli’s journey over the past year, stating that in a matter of few months, he won the T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025.
"Virat Kohli, I want to tell you all one thing. I don't want to make it about Virat Kohli, but I cannot help but feel that this is RCB's year. Virat Kohli did not have an ICC title; people constantly used to say this. In a matter of a year, he has won the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy."
The 38-year-old further asserted that Kohli knows how to handle pressure and will step up for RCB in the final.
"Of course, not both of these as captains. He has one of the greatest Indian Test captains. Is he going to win the first-ever title for RCB in the 18th season? Virat Kohli will stand up on the big day. If they are in a chase, he knows how to handle those situations," he added.
RCB have never won the IPL in their 17 previous attempts. But this time, with momentum behind them and most players in form, there is a feeling, even from outside the dressing room, that something special might be brewing.
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