Overview

• Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast, Ambati Rayudu said winning once shows how tough the IPL is and winning five requires far more.
• He congratulated Royal Challengers Bengaluru on ending their 18-year wait yet urged perspective on sustained success, describing his remarks as “good banter.”
• Rayudu forecast Mumbai Indians or Kolkata Knight Riders as leading contenders for 2026, predicting an MI–RCB final with MI to prevail.
• RCB claimed their maiden title in June by defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in Ahmedabad after previous final losses in 2009, 2011 and 2016.
• Virat Kohli’s 657 runs in 15 innings and Josh Hazlewood’s 22 wickets in 12 matches headlined RCB’s season, with a steadier XI credited as a key shift.