IPL 2025 is set to resume on May 17 with the first game to be played between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Bengaluru. The Men in Red have been having an incredible season so far and the fans and experts are backing them to finally win the title this year.
Former RCB and India player Mohammad Kaif has also showed his belief in the Rajat Patidar-led side, saying that the Bengaluru franchise seems like a much more balanced side compared to the last few seasons. The 44-year-old former India batter, apart from praising the performances of Virat Kohli and the leadership of Rajat Patidar, also mentioned how the bowlers have played a huge role in the season so far.
“If we talk about RCB as a team, they have been fantastic. I am emphasising the word ‘team’ because they have always been a batting-heavy team, but this time Rajat Patidar has done a fantastic job of using his bowlers, restricting opponents while defending 170-180. Kohli has continued doing what he does best… but the bowlers have given them the belief that they can win. The team with the best all-round side usually has the best chance, so I do believe they can win it this year,” Kaif said as quoted by The Times of India.
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RCB throughout the years
RCB are among the most popular franchises in the IPL, always featuring some big stars within their team. The franchise has made it to three IPL finals in 2009, 2011 and 2016 but could not go on to win the final.
They also have the third-most playoff appearances in the tournament, qualifying in the final four nine times. The teams that are ahead of them are the Chennai Super Kings (12 times) and the Mumbai Indians (10) who are currently the most successful teams in the tournament.
