Ambati Rayudu Stuns Cricket World With Wild Prediction For RCB's IPL 2025 Playoff Chances

Published - 19 Apr 2025, 02:30 PM | Updated - 19 Apr 2025, 02:33 PM

Ambati Rayudu RCB IPL 2025

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Ambati Rayudu, a staunch detractor of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has made a jaw-dropping revelation on the team’s chances to qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs. His words come after RCB lost to Punjab Kings (PBKS) at home in their recent match of the tournament.

On Friday, April 18, PBKS defeated the RCB by five wickets in Bengaluru. In a rain-shortened match, RCB only managed to score 95 runs in 14 overs, which Punjab chased down with 11 balls remaining, resulting in their third consecutive home loss.

RCB was reduced to 42/7 after PBKS destroyed their top order. By dismissing Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, Arshdeep Singh set the tone. Yuzvendra Chahal, Marco Jansen, and Xavier Bartlett all claimed wickets as PBKS kept the RCB hitters under pressure.

PBKS hand RCB a sound defeat in Bengaluru

Rajat Patidar, 23, performed admirably as RCB lost to 63/9. Tim David hit three sixes in the final over and smacked 50* off just 26 balls. David gave RCB's bowlers a slight opportunity by helping them to a more respectable total.

Prabhsimran Singh gave Punjab a solid start by hitting successive boundaries off Bhuvneshwar Kumar while chasing a 96-run total. But he fell for 13, and Priyansh Arya also walked back for 16.

Shreyas Iyer (7) and Josh Inglis (14) followed soon, leaving PBKS at 56/4 after 8 overs. Nehal Wadhera, on the other hand, finished undefeated at 33 off 19 balls with a calm and aggressive knock.

Wadhera hit Suyash Sharma for a four and a six to relieve pressure and hit 2 more boundaries in the next over. Marcus Stoinis (7*) hit a six over wide long-on off Yash Dayal to complete the victory.

Despite Royal Challengers Bengaluru's defeat, Tim David was named Player of the Match for his vital 50* and two catches in the field.

Ambati Rayudu on RCB’s chances of making it in IPL 2025 playoffs

Ambati Rayudu expressed worries over Royal Challengers Bengaluru's subpar home performance in the 2025 Indian Premier League in an interview with ESPNcricinfo. Teams must win their home games, Ambati Rayudu underlined. Ambati Rayudu did, however, add that RCB might be strong title challengers if they can qualify.

"I think whatever is happening at home can cost them a playoff place because they have to win at home. You can't win all your away games—other teams are also getting better every day. But if they qualify, they'll have a very, very good chance because the playoffs are in Hyderabad and Kolkata," Ambati Rayudu said on ESPNCricinfo.