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Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag dubbed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) “gareeb” (poor) in a viral video, mocking their lack of IPL trophies so far in the cash-rich league.
The comment came during a Cricbuzz discussion as RCB is yet to win a title in 17 seasons but now leads the points table after dominant wins against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing IPL 2025.
“Gareebon ko bhi toh rehne de, photo le le thodi der. Pata nahi kitni der gareeb log upar rahenge (Let the poor stay on top for a while, let them click photos. Who knows how long they’ll last?),” Sehwag quipped, triggering social media buzz.
Trophy Drought, Not Money
Clarifying his remark, Sehwag stressed he targeted RCB’s empty trophy cabinet, not their finances.
He added that the franchises earn Rs 400-500 crore yearly, and the poor remark was about titles, not money.
Notably, RCB joins Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as the only teams without an IPL title, though LSG debuted in 2022. Among these, RCB has come closest, finishing as runners-up thrice (2009, 2011, 2016) but faltering each time.
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Ironically, Sehwag, who played for Delhi and Punjab, also never won an IPL trophy.
RCB’s Legacy of Near-Misses
Despite star power and a massive fanbase, RCB’s trophy drought contrasts with their popularity. Their batting-heavy approach and inconsistent bowling have often led to collapses. However, the 2025 season shows early promise.
2025 Campaign: A Strong Start
Under the new captain, Rajat Patidar, RCB’s revamped bowling attack has delivered. In their opener, Krunal Pandya (3/28) and Josh Hazlewood (2/25) restricted KKR to 174/8. Virat Kohli (56*) and Phil Salt (54*) then chased the target in 16.2 overs.
Against CSK, Patidar’s 51 off 32 balls powered RCB to 196/7. Hazlewood (3/21) and spinner Yash (2/18) stifled CSK’s chase, limiting them to 146/8. With a net run rate of 2.266, RCB sits atop the table alongside Delhi Capitals.
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Can RCB Sustain the Momentum?
While traditional powerhouses like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings linger in the lower half, IPL’s unpredictable nature means early success guarantees nothing. For fans, the hope is clear: translate this fiery start into a long-awaited title. But as history shows, RCB’s real test begins now.
