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Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Suresh Raina believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) can quench their supporters’ trophy thirst this year, bagging their maiden title in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Bengaluru have looked disciplined in this competition so far, clinching eight victories in 11 outings. They are currently placed in the second spot on the points tally with 16 points. With their three games left in the league round, Rajat Patidar’s team will look to be at their best to secure the top two spots to advance for the playoffs.
Noting RCB’s magnificent performance in the tournament so far, Suresh Raina said that the 2016 runners-up quality bowling unit makes them different from other teams in the ongoing tournament. "There are strong chances because Royal Challengers Bengaluru is playing in a different league this year. They've defended scores like 150 and 136 at Chinnaswamy, and their bowling unit has stepped up,” said Raina while speaking to JioStar. He also hailed Rajat Patidar’s captaincy in the T20 extravaganza, stating, “The new captain has beaten Chennai Super Kings twice - once in Chennai and again at home, which speaks volumes."
Josh Hazlewood has spearheaded RCB’s bowling unit exceptionally
RCB have got sensational bowling performances from their Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood, who has made a comeback in the side after two years. The lanky speedster has clinched 18 wickets in 10 games at an economy of 8.44 and is the most successful bowler for Bengaluru in this season thus far.
However, after the suspension of IPL 2025 on May 9, Hazlewood returned to Australia and now, it’s not clear if the 34-year-old will rejoin the RCB camp for the remainder of the tournament. If the Aussie veteran doesn’t show up for Bengaluru, Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be expected to step up and lead Challengers’ bowling unit confidently.
