Ravichandran Ashwin picks PBKS vs RCB Qualifier 1 winner
Published - 29 May 2025, 02:52 PM | Updated - 29 May 2025, 04:15 PM
Table of Contents
Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a bold prediction for Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2025 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Thursday, May 29, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh.
Ravichandran Ashwin has backed the Rajat Patidar-led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to beat Punjab Kings in Mullanpur break their long-standing jinx and storm into the IPL 2025 final for the first time since 2016 when they lost the trophy to Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Ravichandran Ashwin predicts RCB to win IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 against PBKS
RCB enters the knockout stage with momentum on their side after their historic run chase against Lucknow Super Giants in the final league game. Well, the Bengaluru franchise has reached the playoffs multiple times in recent years, but they have not reached the final since 2016.
However, Ashwin believes that the current RCB unit has what it takes to finally cross the line. While PBKS’ batting looks settled, their bowling has taken a hit with Marco Jansen leaving for national duties ahead of the WTC Final between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s.
Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, “I somehow feel that if it is not Shreyas Iyer's time, this would be the 18th time in the IPL, which would be No. 1 for RCB. PBKS looks like the team to beat. They have got all bases covered. The one problem they have is that Marco Jansen, who has done alright for them.”
Read Also: Tim David OUT of RCB's plans; seen brutally limping ahead of Qualifier 1
I might not be surprised if RCB makes it to the finals: Ravichandran Ashwin
But it’s not all smooth sailing for Bengaluru either. If Josh Hazlewood is not available due to shoulder concerns, Ashwin said that it will hurt their bowling balance and warned them against the PBKS’ aggressive openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh.
Ashwin added, “Equally, RCB have got their own issues; Hazlewood's unavailability is making the bowling look here and there. I think this game will be entirely dependent on how RCB goes up against PBKS' opening pair. I might not be surprised if RCB goes through to the final with this team. My instinct and hunch tell me that RCB will go through to the final after Qualifier 1.”
Ashwin says 'I wouldn't want to face MI in the IPL 2025 Final'
The CSK spinner believes the Mumbai Indians (MI) are the team no one wants to face in the IPL 2025 final. He pointed out that the Gujarat Titans (GT) have done well against MI recently, but the five-time champions are still a dangerous side.
Ashwin noted that if RCB or PBKS make it to the final, they should not face MI, as they are still strong enough to go for the sixth title.
He signed off by saying, “If you are RCB or GT or PBKS, the one team you do not want in the playoffs to want to play against is MI. In all honesty, GT has had the better of MI in recent times. All in all, I would say it is an even game between GT and MI, but if I were RCB or PBKS sitting in the final after Qualifier 1, I wouldn't want to face MI.”
Read Also: Ravichandran Ashwin enters Sarfaraz Khan's case; gives belt treatment to Gautam Gambhir
About the Author
Rashmi Wasnik is a passionate content writer with over a decade of experience. She started her journ... Read more
