'They should thank us' - Ambati Rayudu claims credit for RCB's success

Published - 14 May 2026, 17:10 IST | Updated - 14 May 2026, 17:32 IST

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) cricketer Ambati Rayudu has said that his open but logical criticism of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) until a couple of seasons back has helped the franchise find a lot of success in the Indian Premier League. Rayudu's comments came after RCB climbed back to the top of the leaderboard after beating the Kolkata Knight Riders in Match 57 in Raipur.

The former cricketer believes that he, among many other ex-CSK cricketers, had voiced criticisms of RCB's shortcomings that had kept them devoid of IPL success until 2025. Rayudu believes that his constant feedback for RCB through post-match analysis and social media posts led to RCB revamping their team combination, as they ultimately won their long-awaited title in 2025.

"We were the ones who wanted RCB to do well. We were the ones who always spoke the truth. A lot of people could not, you know, when they were not doing well. And because of guys like us, they actually, in fact, realised that they had to build a team like this. And eventually they did, and they are winning. So, you know, they should thank us," Rayudu said via ESPNcricinfo.

The Guntur-born player has further said that it was his advice that the Bengaluru-based franchise lacked quality players in their middle order and an experienced lineup of bowlers up until 2025. The cricketer-turned-commentator believes that after he highlighted RCB fallacies, the franchise took a note of the same and has been putting up dominating performances for three seasons on the trot.

"Of course, we all should (get credit for RCB's success). Our criticism was logic-based. It was never without logic. We said they never picked good quality Indian middle-order batters. They didn't have good finishers, and they didn't have experienced bowling. This was what we were always saying. And eventually they did and they are reaping the rewards. So, they should thank us," he added.

Notably, the defending champions have nearly confirmed their berth for the playoffs of the ongoing 2026 edition and are placed comfortably on top of the points table after securing their eighth win of the season following the victory against KKR at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium. The Rajat Patidar-led side will now be looking forward to a positive performance in the playoffs to defend their title.