Adam Gilchrist on RCB (X/@RCBTweets, @CricFit )
IPL 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are back to pursue their dream of holding their inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) title as they start the 18th season of the tournament. Although having been to three finals in the past, the franchise based in Bengaluru has not won the title. But with a surprising call, the erstwhile Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist opined that RCB might finish at the bottom in IPL 2025. Commenting on his Club Prairie Fire podcast, where he is the co-host alongside former England captain Michael Vaughan, Gilchrist light-heartedly asserted that RCB's lavish recruitment of English players might damage their prospects. RCB To Finish At Bottom Of IPL 2025, Claims Adam Gilchrist Because Of THIS Factor
Talking on the Club Prairie Fire podcast, which he co-hosts with ex-England skipper Michael Vaughan, Gilchrist made a tongue-in-cheek remark that RCB's heavy use of English players could be detrimental to their prospects. "I believe there's a good likelihood (that RCB end last), because I'm judging on the basis of the fact that there's too many Englishmen in the team," Gilchrist replied tongue-in-cheek. He quickly made it clear that he didn't bear any grudges against RCB fans or their leading player Virat Kohli. "Nothing against Virat, nothing against their fans. Apologize to the fans, but you've got to speak to your recruiting agents," he added.
Gilchrist has a past with RCB in IPL finals. He was the initial captain to beat them in a final, guiding Deccan Chargers to the IPL championship in 2009. RCB's English Stars in IPL 2025
RCB spent some considerable money in the IPL 2025 mega auction, particularly on English cricketers. One of their costliest buys was wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt, who played a vital role for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2024. RCB paid Rs 11.5 crore to sign Salt in their team.
They also acquired the hard-hitting all-rounder Liam Livingstone for Rs 8.75 crore, and young English cricketer Jacob Bethell at Rs 2.6 crore. Through these signings, RCB's squad is now well-equipped with a strong English lineup, which prompted Gilchrist to make fun of their possible struggles.
On the other hand, Michael Vaughan had a contrasting view of IPL 2025 predictions. Delhi Capitals' (DC) former England skipper is of the opinion that DC will be last, citing the absence of good Indian batters as a significant weakness.
"I just don't feel they (DC) have got a very good team. My reason is that I think you need high-class Indian batters to play on those wickets. They've got KL Rahul, that's it, really. I don't think they have enough quality Indian batters," Vaughan said.
Both RCB and DC have participated in all the IPL seasons but never lifted the trophy, which makes them two of the unluckiest franchises in the history of the league.
RCB will start their IPL 2025 journey against reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 22 at Eden Gardens. When the season starts, RCB will be keen to silence their critics and make a push for their first-ever IPL title. Their fans will hope that their big-ticket signings, including the Englishmen, enable them to turn their fortunes this season.
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