Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar and former Indian batter Ambati Rayudu were involved in a light-hearted exchange as discussions about Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL journey took centre stage during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand.
With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 wrapped up and India lifting the trophy for the third time, attention now shifts to the highly anticipated IPL 2025, which is set to kick off on March 22. And as always, RCB’s long-standing title drought yet again became a talking point.
Ambati Rayudu takes a dig at RCB’s IPL trophy drought during ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final
During the Hindi commentary, Sanjay Bangar highlighted the franchise’s resilience and consistent playoff appearances over the years in the IPL. Bangar also pointed out how RCB had defied the odds last season with a stunning comeback after a rough start. He said that better days are ahead for the Bengaluru-based franchise in the league.
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Sanjay Bangar said: “The team’s performance has been consistent for the last 4-5 years. The side has reached the playoffs on four occasions. Last year, after losing seven matches and then finishing in the playoffs, it was the greatest comeback. Once you make a comeback like this, the side can cross the next hurdle.”
Hitting below the belt: Sanjay Bangar warns Ambati Rayudu
But Ambati Rayudu made the most of the opportunity to take a cheeky dig, poking fun at RCB’s struggles to lift the IPL trophy over the years. Ambati Rayudu predicted that Royal Challengers Bengaluru might go one step further, but lifting the coveted trophy still seemed out of reach.
Ambati Rayudu said, “Right, Sanjay Bhai. RCB will cross the next hurdle. So next time, RCB will reach Qualifier 2 (laughs).” The former Royal Challengers Bengaluru head coach laughed at Rayudu’s joke and said, “This is so wrong. Hitting below the belt. I won’t be able to tolerate this. RCB fans are watching you.”
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However, Ambati Rayudu was not worried about RCB fans or the possibility of getting trolled on social media, as he simply said he didn’t care about them. Rayudu told Bangar, “Let them watch.” Notably, the former Indian batter is an ardent fan of Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Below the belt to RCB fans from Rayudu gaaru 🤣 pic.twitter.com/ao7IYCovul
— Vibhor (@Vibhor4CSK) March 10, 2025
Earlier, Rayudu said that RCB would win the IPL trophy someday, but he joked that he wouldn’t want to witness that moment this year. He said on the Raw Talks podcast, “I feel it’s a matter of time before they (RCB) will get the trophy. But definitely, I just hope and pray that year doesn’t come (laughing).”
RCB will face KKR, CSK will take on MI in their IPL 2025 openers
Notably, the upcoming IPL 2025 season is set to kick off on March 22, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata in the tournament opener.
RCB will be led by the new captain Rajat Patidar, while KKR will also kick off their title defense under their new skipper Ajinkya Rahane.
On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) take on their biggest rivals, Mumbai Indians (MI), in their IPL 2025 opener on March 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
