'If RCB want to win the IPL, they must ...': Former India cricketer on key to ending trophy drought

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 3, 2025, 14:33 IST

Text Size

Small
Medium
Large

Aakash Chopra emphasises the importance of a top-two finish for Royal Challengers Bengaluru to secure their first IPL title, as history favours teams finishing in the top two. While RCB eye a crucial win against Chennai Super Kings to solidify their playoff chances, Chopra urges captain Rajat Patidar to regain batting consistency for a successful campaign.

'If RCB want to win the IPL, they must ...': Former India cricketer on key to ending trophy drought

Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar (PTI Photo)

As Royal Challengers Bengaluru prepare to host Chennai Super Kings in a crucial IPL 2025 clash on Saturday, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that a top-two finish is essential for RCB if they are to break their long-standing title drought.
With 14 points from 10 games, RCB sit third on the table, and a win over CSK would take them to the top with 16 points. Chopra noted that while the win would all but ensure a playoff berth, it’s Qualifier 1 that Patidar’s men must aim for.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
"RCB have never won in Chennai since 2008, but they did that job. At home, it's even-stevens," Chopra said on his YouTube channel. "They can very well qualify tonight, but the ‘Q’ won’t be next to their name just yet. Still, 16 points with three games to go is a solid position."

Who's that IPL player?
However, Chopra warned that history is not on RCB's side if they fail to finish in the top two. "Only once, in 2016, has a team outside the top two won the title. So if RCB want to lift the trophy, they must finish in the top two."

Poll

Do you believe RCB can break their title drought this season?

Unlikely, they have too many challenges.Maybe, if they improve consistency.Absolutely, this is their year.

Chopra also highlighted Rajat Patidar’s under-the-radar captaincy but called for more consistency with the bat. "Patidar captains very well but hasn’t been in the limelight. He started strong but needs to get back among the runs. I’m hopeful he’ll deliver when it matters most."

About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

End of Article