Ravichandran Ashwin Opens RCB Doors – Ravichandran Ashwin Reflects on Unfulfilled Desire to Play for RCB
A Decorated Career and a Hidden Aspiration
Ravichandran Ashwin, a titan of Indian cricket, concluded his illustrious IPL career in mid-2025, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most prolific and tactically astute bowlers in the tournament’s history. A two-time IPL champion and a two-time Champions League T20 winner with the Chennai Super Kings, Ashwin’s journey spanned across various franchises, including stints with the Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals. Despite this stellar resume, the 39-year-old recently shared a candid reflection on his career, admitting that one particular franchise remained missing from his list of employers: the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
The Connection to the Chinnaswamy
In a recent conversation with Vimal Kumar on the ‘Ash Ki Baat’ YouTube channel, the veteran spinner was asked about any regrets regarding his franchise affiliations. While Ashwin expressed immense gratitude and happiness for his tenure with the Chennai Super Kings, he openly confessed that playing for the Rajasthan Royals and RCB were two specific goals he held during his playing days. While he successfully fulfilled the first half of that wish by playing three seasons for the Royals, the RCB dream remained unrealized.
Ashwin highlighted his unique relationship with the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the home ground of RCB. The legendary all-rounder noted that he consistently received immense encouragement from the Bengaluru crowd, even during high-stakes Test matches for the Indian national team. Furthermore, he acknowledged the geographical proximity of the city to his home, which added a layer of personal appeal to the prospect of representing the franchise.
Praising the Rise of RCB
The conversation inevitably turned to the current state of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a team that has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent seasons. After years of being perceived as underachievers, RCB broke their title drought in 2025 by defeating the Punjab Kings in a thrilling final. The momentum has clearly carried over into IPL 2026, where the franchise has dominated the league stage points table and once again found themselves in the final.
Ashwin was effusive in his praise for the turnaround, stating, “I am very happy for RCB. They deserve it. Luck is just not luck, luck is earned.” His comments reflect a deep respect for the structural and cultural changes the team has implemented to turn their fortunes around in such a short period.
Dominance on the Field: A Testament to Success
The sentiment expressed by Ashwin is mirrored by RCB’s recent performances on the pitch. The team has evolved into a formidable, consistent unit, capable of dismantling opponents with ease. Their recent performance in the Qualifier 1 match against the Gujarat Titans in Dharamsala was a prime example of this newfound dominance.
In a stunning display of power hitting, captain Rajat Patidar led his side to a massive total, scoring an unbeaten 93 off just 33 deliveries, an innings that included five boundaries and nine towering sixes. The collective bowling effort was equally clinical; Jacob Duffy and Bhuvneshwar Kumar combined to take five wickets, effectively stifling the Titans’ chase and bowling them out for 162 runs. This 92-run victory served as a resounding statement of intent, cementing RCB’s status as a powerhouse in modern IPL cricket.
The Legacy of a Strategic Mind
For fans of the game, it is fascinating to imagine how an operator of Ashwin’s caliber would have fared in the RCB setup. Known for his tactical ingenuity and his ability to adapt to any playing condition, Ashwin could have provided a unique dimension to the Bengaluru bowling attack. Nevertheless, as the IPL moves into a new era, Ashwin remains a keen observer and a supporter of the game’s growth. His admission serves as a poignant reminder that even for the most decorated athletes, there are always ‘what ifs’ that linger long after the final ball is bowled.
