"Not to go behind them:" EX-MI batter exposes Virat Kohli and RCB's weakness ahead of IPL 2026

Ahead of the IPL 2026 season, former India batter Ambati Rayudu claimed that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the team that often goes behind the opposite team's players, is forced to check itself when up against the Mumbai Indians.

On Star Sports' Cheeky Singles show, Ambati Rayudu recalled the days when he used to play for the Mumbai Indians (MI). MI used to walk into the field with proper planning, planning to counter the opponent if they showed aggression on the field unnecessarily. Rayadu said that they never ignited any heated moments, but they could finish the matter in their own style.

RCB is well known for showing expression during matches

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with Virat Kohli in the front, never hesitate to show their emotions on the grounds. Whether it was about taking a wicket or confronting opposing players during a match, they never backed down from going toe to toe. The incidents like Virat Kohli vs Naveen Ul Haq, Virat Kohli vs Gautam Gambhir are some of the instances when RCB made headlines for a heated exchange.

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Australia pacer Mitchell Starc was also involved in an aggressive moment when he was with the Bengaluru-based franchise. The confrontation between Starc and Mumbai Indians legend Kieron Pollard became one of the talking points among the Indian cricket fans.

Only RCB guys get behind everyone: Ambati Rayudu

Rayadu claimed that RCB players mostly went aggressive against any IPL teams, but they instantly went under their shell when MI was on the opposite side, as MI had their own ways to treat them.

"When I used to play for MI, the whole dressing room would get together and decide that if someone said something, three to four of us would get behind someone. So people would rarely go after MI players. Only RCB guys get behind everyone. So sometimes things would happen. But then they understood not to go behind them," Ambati Rayudu said.

The former middle-order batter said that they had no plans to start any heated arguments. They reacted according to the situations, and the reactions were natural.

How did the Mumbai Indians use to tackle heated moments? Rayadu revealed

"Generally, it is in the field. Very rarely is it planned. Until and unless the player has already abused three or four players in the first innings, then all of us get together. Otherwise, it happens automatically on the field," Rayadu added.

Ambati Rayudu also claimed that they did not sledge anyone. But, that does not mean that they hold themselves back when someone delivers fiery words.

"We don't sledge everyone. If someone starts something, then we get behind them. Whether we win or lose, we have to get behind that person. We don't start the war, but when it starts, we will finish it. This is India's policy," he said.

Rayadu spent a total of 8 seasons with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL before joining the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the 2018 season. He is among the players, who are well aware of the dressing atmosphere of the 5-time League winners.

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