Ravichandran Ashwin Opens RCB Doors – Ravichandran Ashwin Reveals Unfulfilled Dream of Playing for RCB
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A Career Defined by Excellence
Ravichandran Ashwin concluded his illustrious IPL journey in mid-2025, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most prolific and tactically astute bowlers in the history of the league. A two-time IPL champion and a two-time Champions League T20 winner with the Chennai Super Kings, Ashwin’s career was a masterclass in spin bowling. Beyond his tenure with CSK, the legendary Indian all-rounder took on leadership roles with the Punjab Kings and contributed his expertise to the Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals during the twilight of his playing days.
However, even with a trophy cabinet brimming with accolades, the 39-year-old recently revealed that his IPL experience was missing one specific chapter: donning the red and gold of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
The Unfulfilled Ambition
In a candid conversation with Vimal Kumar on the ‘Ash Ki Baat’ YouTube channel, the veteran spinner was asked if he harbored any regrets or specific desires regarding the franchises he played for throughout his career. While Ashwin expressed immense gratitude and pride for his time with the Chennai Super Kings, he openly admitted that he had always hoped to represent both the Rajasthan Royals and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
While he eventually achieved his goal of playing for the Rajasthan Royals for three seasons, the opportunity to represent RCB never materialized. Ashwin noted a deep personal connection to the franchise’s home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. He recalled how the Bangalore crowd consistently provided him with unwavering support during his Test match appearances for Team India, fostering a unique affinity for the city and its fans.
“I played for CSK and I was happy,” Ashwin shared during the interview. “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. It is also near my home town.”
Praising the RCB Renaissance
Ashwin’s admiration for RCB has only grown following the team’s meteoric rise in recent seasons. After years of being perceived as underachievers, RCB broke their title drought in 2025 by defeating the Punjab Kings in a dramatic final. Under the astute captaincy of Rajat Patidar, the team has successfully built upon that foundation, reaching back-to-back finals in 2026 after a dominant run at the top of the league table.
Reflecting on this transformation, Ashwin expressed genuine delight at seeing the franchise shed its historical struggles. He attributed their success to more than just fortune, emphasizing the hard work and structural improvements within the organization. “I am very happy for RCB. They deserve it. Luck is just not luck; luck is earned,” he remarked.
Dominance in the 2026 Campaign
The sentiment behind Ashwin’s praise is backed by cold, hard statistics. RCB has evolved into one of the most formidable outfits in the IPL, showcasing a level of consistency that has intimidated opponents throughout the 2026 season. Their march toward a potential second consecutive title has been marked by clinical performances, most notably in the recent Qualifier 1 match held in Dharamsala.
In that encounter, RCB dismantled the Gujarat Titans, securing a commanding 92-run victory. The match was a showcase of pure aggression, spearheaded by captain Rajat Patidar. Patidar’s explosive innings of 93* from just 33 balls—featuring five boundaries and nine towering sixes—pushed the Titans to the brink. The bowling attack proved equally lethal, with Jacob Duffy and Bhuvneshwar Kumar combining for five wickets, effectively stifling the Titans’ chase and bundling them out for 162. As the team gears up for their next challenge, the legacy of their resurgence continues to captivate cricket enthusiasts worldwide, proving that with the right momentum, even long-held aspirations can turn into championship reality.
