Ambati Rayudu ends CSK loyalty, supports RCB for IPL 2025 glory

As the countdown to the IPL 2025 final has begun, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are ready to face the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, June 2. With emotions running sky-high and both teams hungry for their first-ever IPL crown, RCB have found unexpected support from none other than Ambati Rayudu.

Ambati Rayudu, former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter, has always been one of the most critical of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and their iconic batter Virat Kohli, but he has now turned into their supporter ahead of the summit clash against Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad.

Ambati Rayudu backs RCB to break 18-year IPL title drought

After facing three heartbreaks in the final, RCB are once again one step away from IPL glory. Despite the fierce southern rivalry between CSK and RCB over the years, Ambati Rayudu has stunned one and all by backing the Bengaluru-based franchise to end their 18-year-long title drought this time.

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Ambati Rayudu, who won six IPL trophies with Mumbai Indians and CSK, believes that it is the right time for Bengaluru to finally lift their first-ever IPL trophy. Highlighting the fierce cricket rivalry among the southern cities, he said RCB truly deserves the title this season.

They truly deserve IPL trophy this season: Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu posted on X on Tuesday: “There has always been an amazing cricketing rivalry between the 3 great southern cities… I think it’s time for the great city of Bangalore to win their first-ever IPL trophy tonight, which they truly deserve this season… Go RCB…bring it home…”

There has always been an amazing cricketing rivalry between the 3 great southern cities.. I think it’s time for the great city of Bangalore to win their first ever Ipl trophy tonight which they truly deserve to this season.. Go RCB.. bring it home..

— ATR (@RayuduAmbati) June 3, 2025

Notably, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have reached the IPL final three times before, in 2009, 2011, and 2016, but lost each time to Deccan Chargers, Chennai Super Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, respectively, even with Virat Kohli giving his best.

Now, in their fourth final, Kohli is once again chasing that long-awaited IPL trophy. This time, they face a determined Punjab Kings side led by Shreyas Iyer, who are also aiming for their first title.

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Shreyas Iyer-led PBKS looks strong to shatter RCB's IPL title dream

Under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy, Punjab Kings have looked strong throughout IPL 2025. They finished at the top of the table with nine wins, showing great teamwork and fighting spirit. Even after losing to RCB in Qualifier 1, PBKS came back strongly by defeating the Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 to reach the final, setting up an exciting rematch with Bengaluru.

This is only the second time the Punjab Kings have made it to the IPL final, with their last appearance coming in 2014. Ahead of the title clash, Iyer stated, “See, when you are on the field, it's all about rivalry. It's not about comfort at all. When you step onto the field, you are at war. And you fight to win.”

On the other hand, RCB captain Rajat Patidar said about PBKS: “If I talk about Punjab, I think they are playing a tremendous amount of cricket in this league. And the way they are playing, I think it will be a challenge for us in the next game.”