Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a bold statement about the IPL 2025 playoffs, claiming that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) must do everything possible to avoid facing Mumbai Indians (MI) in the final. According to Ashwin, MI are the only team that can deny RCB their maiden IPL title.
‘Stop MI at Any Cost’: Ashwin’s Warning to RCB
Speaking on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’, Ashwin said RCB would be “keeping their fingers crossed” that MI do not reach the final, which will be played in Ahmedabad on June 2.
“MI is the only team that has a chance against RCB. If I were RCB, I’d want to face Gujarat Titans in the final, not Mumbai,” Ashwin said.
He also pointed out that MI’s experience and five titles make them dangerous in knockout games, and RCB must “stop them at any cost.”
MI are set to play Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator, and the winner will face Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2 for a shot at the final.
‘This Is RCB’s Year’: Ashwin Backs Kohli’s Fairytale Run
Ashwin believes the stars are aligning for Virat Kohli, who recently won the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy with India.
“People used to say Kohli hasn’t won an ICC trophy. Now he has two in a year. Is an IPL title next?” Ashwin wondered.
While Kohli was dismissed for 12 in the Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings, RCB cruised to victory. They bowled out PBKS for 101 and chased it down with 60 balls to spare, thanks to Phil Salt’s unbeaten fifty.
Kohli remains among the top batters this season with 614 runs in 14 matches, averaging 55.82 with a strike rate of 146.54.
RCB vs MI in Final? Ashwin Hopes Not
RCB have qualified for their fourth IPL final, and fans are dreaming of their first-ever title. But Ashwin’s comments highlight the challenge MI could pose, should they make it through the Eliminator and Qualifier 2.
With Ahmedabad set to host the summit clash, all eyes will be on MI’s next two matches—and whether Kohli finally lifts the IPL trophy in what could be a historic season for both him and RCB.
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