"Nothing against Virat Kohli" - Adam Gilchrist shockingly predicts RCB to finish last in IPL 2025

Former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist made a bold prediction about Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The former wicketkeeper-batter said that Royal Challengers Bengaluru might finish at the bottom of the standings in the upcoming season.

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League is set to begin on Saturday, March 22. Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. However, the season opener is under threat due to an orange alert for rain in Kolkata.

Adam Gilchrist Predicts Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Finish Last in IPL 2025

Adam Gilchrist predicted that Royal Challengers Bengaluru could finish last in the standings. Speaking on the Club Prairie Fire Podcast, Adam Gilchrist stated that the team's strategy of having "too many Englishmen" in the squad might be a concern for their campaign.

"I think there's a fair chance it might be because I'm basing it on the fact that there's just too many Englishmen in the squad. So, RCB. On the back of having too many Englishmen in there," Adam Gilchrist said.

"Nothing against Virat, nothing against their fans. I apologise to the fans, but you've got to talk to your recruiting agents," he added.

Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, and Jacob Bethell Among RCB's Overseas Signings

Royal Challengers Bengaluru made key overseas acquisitions at the IPL 2025 auction, signing Liam Livingstone (₹8.75 crore), Phil Salt (₹11.50 crore), and Jacob Bethell (₹2.60 crore). Salt is expected to open alongside Virat Kohli.

Ahead of the new season, RCB appointed Rajat Patidar as their captain, moving away from Faf du Plessis and not reverting to Virat Kohli.

The Bengaluru-based franchise is one of the most popular IPL teams, but they have yet to win a title. Patidar will face the challenge of leading the side under the weight of high expectations from fans. The squad also includes experienced players like Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Michael Vaughan Predicts Bottom-Place Finish for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025

In the same conversation with Adam Gilchrist, former England captain Michael Vaughan predicted that Delhi Capitals, led by Axar Patel, could finish last in the 2025 season. He raised doubts about their squad strength, citing a lack of top-quality Indian batters.

Vaughan pointed out that aside from KL Rahul, Delhi lacks proven Indian batting talent. Ahead of the season, Delhi named Faf du Plessis as Axar Patel’s deputy and appointed Kevin Pietersen as the team mentor.

"I just don't think they've got a very good team. My reason is that I believe you need high-class Indian batters to play on those wickets. They've got KL Rahul, that's it, really. Karun Nair and all the rest are Fraser McGurk, Faf du Plessis, and Tristan Stubbs," Vaughan said on the same podcast.

"I mean, they've got Axa Patel probably about in the middle, but they just don't seem to have enough quality Indian batters," he added.

Also read: Ian Smith blames India for Pakistan's downfall: 'Players can't play IPL & other Indian-owned leagues'