Gavaskar shocks cricket world with bold ‘RCB will win IPL 2025’ claim

RCB is among the most followed franchises among all the teams in the IPL. The franchise has produced some of the best players over the years but unfortunately, hasn't been able to clinch the title so far.

However, former India allrounder Rohan Gavaskar has backed Royal Challengers Bengaluru to go all the way this year. Gavaskar made a bold claim that RCB is going to win the IPL 2025 title.

Alongside picking RCB as the winners, Gavaskar also predicted the four teams that are going to make the playoffs this season. He also picked the name who can turn out to be the Most Valuable Player of the Season.

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Rohan Gavaskar's bold claim on RCB

While speaking to Cricbuzz ahead of IPL 2025, Rohan Gavaskar was asked to predict the winner of IPL 2025. Gavaskar had no hesitation in naming Royal Challengers Bengaluru as the team that will go all the way.

“RCB are going to win the title this year," said Rohan Gavaskar.

When asked to predict about the top four teams that will make it to the playoffs this year, he picked Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Among these teams, RCB and Delhi Capitals are the only teams not to have won any IPL title so far.

Royal Challengers have had some of the world-class players like Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, Mitchell Starc, and Kevin Pietersen in their team over the years. However, the team hasn't been able to play as a unit and thus, remain one of the few IPL teams not to have won any trophy so far.

They still have the likes of Virat Kohli in their squad, who is yet to win an IPL trophy. Kohli has given his best for the franchise right from the beginning and has emerged as one of the legends of the league. RCB will be aiming to give Kohli a perfect gift by winning the title this year.

Rohan Gavaskar picks MVP, highest run-scorer, highest wicket-taker

Gavaskar was also asked about the most no. of runs and wickets in IPL 2025. While he picked the youngster Abhishek Sharma to top the run-scoring charts, he picked the experienced Jasprit Bumrah to be on top of the wicket-taking list.

Abhishek has established himself as one of the most dangerous openers in the league with the ability to tear apart any bowling attack in the world. He had a breakthrough season last year for Sunrisers Hyderabad and played a key role in taking his team to the final.

On the other hand, Bumrah will be one of the contenders for the Purple cap this year. He has been the best bowler across formats for the last few years and had an exceptional IPL 2024 as well. However, the main concern will be his fitness.

Currently, Bumrah is in the NCA where he is working his way back from a back injury that he suffered during India's Test series in Australia earlier this year. He will the initial games for Mumbai Indians but is expected to be back later.

Gavaskar was further asked to predict the Most Valuable Player of the season. He feels that one out of Heinrich Klaasen and Travis Head will take the award this season.

RCB to play IPL 2025 opener

RCB will play the opening match of IPL 2025 against the defending champions KKR at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The fans have high expectations from the team and desperately want them to end the title drought.

They will be led by a new captain Rajat Patidar this year. He will have a no. of experienced players to help his cause, most notably being Virat Kohli. Patidar will be looking to lead his team from the front and take his team to glory.