"People can't digest truth": Ambati Rayudu’s shocking RCB U-turn stuns Varun Aaron, cricket world

Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu, who was vocal in trolling Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) before the start of IPL 2025, has now taken a surprising turn, praising the team’s strength after their dominating seven-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the season opener.

Rayudu, who had recently taken multiple digs at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, now claimed that they have a rock-solid squad in the ongoing IPL 2025 and look like serious contenders to end their IPL title drought this season. His words have left the cricket fraternity amused.

Ambati Rayudu’s unexpected praise for RCB shocks Varun Aaron and fans after IPL 2025 opener

Ambati Rayudu said on ESPNcricinfo's T20 TimeOut show, “These guys (RCB) have a solid, solid side this year. They're looking good, Varun. I'm saying this because he is a proper ardent RCB fan.”

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Rayudu’s change of heart was so drastic that Varun Aaron couldn’t help but joke about it, questioning what had influenced the former Indian cricketer’s sudden admiration for RCB. The former Indian pacer was completely surprised by Rayudu’s praise of words for the Bengaluru team.

Varun Aaron said on the same show, “Thanks. I'm wondering what portion Rayudu has had for the show today. He's completely RCB man today.” Earlier, Rayudu, who is a diehard fan of the Chennai Super Kings, had said he doesn’t want the RCB to win the IPL 2025.

Sometimes people can't digest the truth: Ambati Rayudu

However, Rayudu insisted that he had always recognized RCB’s potential, but some people simply couldn’t handle the truth. Rayudu said before bursting into laughter, “No, I've always been. It's just that sometimes people can't digest the truth.”

Ambati Rayudu loves RCB 🤣 #TimeOut pic.twitter.com/Lvl3obUSHT

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 23, 2025

Meanwhile, former cricketer Aakash Chopra was not impressed with Rajat Patidar’s captaincy during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s dominating win over Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2025 opener. After the match, he pointed out some tactical errors Patidar made against the KKR.

Chopra slammed Patidar’s choice of bowlers during the powerplay. With KKR struggling at 9/1, he introduced Rasikh Dar and Krunal Pandya, which backfired as they ended up leaking 31 runs in quick time. This allowed KKR to recover and post a total of 174/8.

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RCB started off strongly against KKR, says Aakash Chopra

Despite the early setbacks, RCB’s strong batting lineup made the chase look effortless, reaching the target with 22 balls to spare thanks to stunning fifties from Virat Kohli and Phil Salt against KKR at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 22.

Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel, “RCB started off strongly, but then suddenly the tide turned, and the runs kept flowing for the opposition. We had actually discussed earlier in the morning about Rajat Patidar’s captaincy, and I felt he missed an opportunity there.

After three solid overs, he brought Rasikh Salam in for the fourth, which seemed like a strange decision. Yash Dayal could have been given another over. Instead, he opted for Krunal Pandya in the fifth over, and I couldn’t help but think, ‘What are you doing, my friend?’ Ajinkya Rahane seized the opportunity and kept on hitting.”