RCB, CSK Or MI? Saim Ayub Picks His Favorite IPL Team

Pakistan’s opening batter, Saim Ayub, was given the option to select his favorite franchise of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The left-handed batter didn’t think twice to choose the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

It’s not the first time any overseas player has chosen the 2016 runners-up as the future side in the league. Despite not winning any edition of the 20-over tournament, they are ahead in this aspect over the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings, both of whom have earned five titles each.

“The first thing that comes to mind is RCB”- Saim Ayub

The left-handed opening batter of the Pakistani side, Saim Ayub, highlighted that he always wanted to join the Bengaluru side because of Virat Kohli. He also revealed his love and affection for the franchise whenever he heard the name of the league.

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“I would choose Bengaluru because of Virat Kohli. When we hear 'IPL', the first thing that comes to mind is RCB.” Ayub explained in the recent interaction.

Ayub had an excellent last few months in the ODI format as he was one of the reasons in the batting department for the side winning three successive away series.

In nine 50-over games, the Karachi-born has nailed 515 runs at an average of 64.37 and a strike rate of 105.33, scoring three boundaries and one six at the best score of unbeaten 113 runs.

In 87 T20 innings, the 22-year-old has smacked 2297 runs at an average of 27.67, thanks to 14 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 98 runs. He had a great last season in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with 345 runs in 11 innings at an average of 31.36 and a strike rate of 157.93, thanks to two fifties.

RCB enjoys IPL 2025 with two wins in three games

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) started the season on a winning note. They took a few early wickets in the game against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens to restrict them to a low score. The spinners contributed immensely for the middle overs and kept the home side to 174/9 in their allotted 20 overs.

Virat Kohli and Phil Salt’s opening stand was enough to lay down the winning platform for RCB as they chased down the score with nearly four overs to spare and seven wickets in hand. The second game was a huge challenge for them against the Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

They didn’t win at the venue for a long time. RCB batted first to put 196/7 in 20 overs. Josh Hazlewood picked up early wickets in the second over, including the home side’s captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, to break the back. MS Dhoni nailed a few big shots towards the end, but that was not enough for them to save themselves from the 50-run defeat.

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They first tasted defeat at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru against the Gujarat Titans. The 2016 champions’ batting didn’t work out before Jos Buttler blew them away with an eight-wicket victory in 17.5 overs.

RCB faces an exciting challenge in IPL 2025

RCB will move to the Wankhede Stadium for their next encounter against the Mumbai Indians, who will be eager to get back to winning ways after their previous defeat against the Lucknow Super Giants.

The upcoming journey won’t be easy for the side as they will face the Delhi Capitals at home on April 10. As has been the case, playing at home is the biggest challenge for the three-time runners-up.