As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 draws near, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faces a pivotal moment in their storied history. Despite being one of the most beloved and widely supported franchises, RCB’s quest for their maiden IPL title continues into its 18th season. This year, the team has embraced significant changes, including the appointment of Rajat Patidar as their new captain and a reshaped squad designed to finally end their trophy drought. However, former RCB head coach Mike Hesson, who led the team to three playoff appearances between 2019 and 2023, has issued a stark warning about their prospects.
RCB’s Elusive Pursuit of an IPL Title
Since the inception of the IPL in 2008, RCB has been a fan favorite but has yet to claim the coveted championship. The team has played 242 matches, securing 117 wins and ranking as the fourth most successful franchise in terms of victories. However, while teams like Mumbai Indians (MI), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have celebrated multiple titles, RCB has repeatedly fallen short.
Their closest brushes with glory came in 2011 and 2016 when they reached the final, only to be defeated by CSK and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), respectively. RCB has topped the league table just seven times, while their worst seasons in 2017 and 2019 saw them languish at the bottom. Despite finishing IPL 2024 on a high note with six consecutive wins to secure a playoff spot, their journey ended in the Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals (RR). Under Rajat Patidar’s leadership, RCB will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against defending champions KKR on March 22 at Eden Gardens.
Mike Hesson’s Bleak Outlook for IPL 2025
Hesson, who played a crucial role in RCB’s playoff runs between 2020 and 2022, assessed the team’s batting depth and overall squad balance before sharing his candid prediction.
“Looking at the teams and their strengths for 2025, I notice some gaps, particularly in depth. Honestly, I can’t see RCB making a push for the playoffs this year. It’s not about emotion; it’s just an observation based on the facts and the strength of the other teams,” Hesson stated on his YouTube channel.
He acknowledged that while RCB has made intriguing squad changes, they still face significant weaknesses that could hinder their progress. Hesson believes that other teams boast more balanced and formidable lineups, making it challenging for RCB to consistently compete at the highest level. However, he expressed hope that his forecast might be proven wrong, given the talent within the RCB roster.
“I think they’ll likely finish around sixth or seventh, or perhaps even lower, based on the power of the other teams. This might be an unpopular opinion, but it’s a rational assessment, not an emotional one. I predict RCB will end this season in ninth place,” Hesson concluded.
Related Reads:
- IPL 2025: RCB’s Best Playing XI and Impact Players
- IPL 2025: Top 10 Overseas Players to Watch Out For ft. Trent Boult and Phil Salt
As RCB gears up for another season, the pressure is mounting for them to finally break their title jinx. Will they rise to the occasion and defy the odds, or will their struggles persist? Only time will tell.
