Rayudu, Badrinath ruthlessly mock RCB’s trophyless IPL history, sneer at ‘what they do to themselves’: ‘We need them’
Ambati Rayudu and Subramaniam Badrinath didn't hold back as they mocked RCB's trophyless run in IPL.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Chennai Super Kings in a blockbuster IPL 2025 clash on Friday, igniting fierce banter between their fanbases on social media. Over the past years, even the former cricketers – particularly from the Super Kings – haven't held back from taking shots at RCB over their trophyless history in the tournament, and that hasn't changed this time.
On Wednesday, former CSK players Subramaniam Badrinath and Ambati Rayudu shared a laugh at the expanse of RCB in a YouTube video, where Badrinath interviewed the former CSK star. Badrinath asked Rayudu, “Will RCB jinx be broken this year?” to which both former cricketers shared a laugh.
Rayudu, continuing the banter, responded by saying he doesn’t want RCB to win this year and took another swipe at the franchise, implying that the IPL needs a team like RCB.
“Purely as a fan, and as someone who had really good laughter at them over the years because of what they do to themselves, I would want them to win sometime, but not this year, maybe. We want CSK to do well and win it this year. In the end, we need someone like RCB in the IPL (laughs),” Rayudu said.
The Royal Challengers last played in an IPL final in 2016, when the side faced a defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad. Chennai Super Kings, meanwhile, are five-time IPL champions with their last title coming in 2023, when MS Dhoni led the side to victory against Gujarat Titans.
Last year's clash between RCB and CSK was particularly dramatic, as the match was a virtual knock-out for a place in the playoffs. The Royal Challengers made a terrific comeback to edge CSK out of the playoff race, but lost in the eliminator match to Rajasthan Royals.
RCB's winning start in IPL 2025
The Rajat Patidar-led side made a winning start to the ongoing season, defeating defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders in the opening match by 7 wickets. Virat Kohli played a brilliant unbeaten 59-run knock, while Phil Salt also displayed an exhibition in power-hitting, smashing 56 off just 31 deliveries, as RCB chased down a 175-run target with 22 balls to spare.
