‘There are strong chances…’: Former Chennai Super Kings star player predicts RCB as IPL 2025 champion

Former India cricketer Suresh Raina believes there is a strong possibility of Royal Challengers Bengaluru winning the title this year. He noted that the team is playing in a completely different manner compared to previous seasons and added that Virat Kohli might finally get his hands on the IPL trophy.

“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,” Raina said while speaking on Star Sports.

“The new captain has beaten Chennai Super Kings twice, once in Chennai and again at home, which speaks volumes. The dressing room is positive and these are signs of a team that can go all the way,” Raina added.

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RCB are currently in second place on the IPL 2025 points table, having lost only three out of 11 games this season. They are just one win away from securing a spot in the playoffs.

Kohli came close to winning the IPL title in 2016, when he was also the captain of the team. Unfortunately, Bengaluru lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, dashing the hopes of thousands of fans.

IPL 2025, which was suspended due to recent India-Pakistan border tensions, is set to resume on Saturday, May 17. The action will restart with a crucial match between Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders, with all eyes on Kohli following his recent retirement from Test cricket.