Vijay Mallya reveals his 4 dream Indian picks for Royal Challengers Bengaluru after IPL 2025 triumph

Table of Contents

After 18 years of near-misses and heartbreaks, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally clinched their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2025, defeating Punjab Kings in a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Amid the celebrations, former RCB owner Vijay Mallya resurfaced in the cricketing spotlight, sharing his thoughts on the franchise’s historic triumph and revealing the four Indian players he dreams of having in the RCB lineup today.

Appearing on Raj Shamani’s podcast, Mallya was asked which Indian stars he would select for RCB if given the opportunity in the current era. Without hesitation, Mallya named Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and KL Rahul as his ideal picks.

He said, “If dreams could come true, Jasprit Bumrah. If dreams could come true Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul. If I had these four I wouldn’t need anybody else and would definitely win the trophy”.

Mallya’s wishful selection reflects not only his understanding of the modern T20 game but also his long-standing desire to see RCB as a dominant force, a vision he pursued since the franchise’s inception.

Also READ: Why #ArrestVirat Kohli is trending on social media after the Bengaluru stampede tragedy?

Mallya’s association with RCB began in 2008 when he acquired the franchise for $112 million, the second-highest bid at the time. He was captivated by the IPL’s promise and aimed to build a team that embodied the vibrancy and dynamism of Bengaluru. Mallya’s early moves included handpicking Virat Kohli, then a promising Under-19 star, and bringing in icons like Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and international legends such as AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle.

Despite assembling star-studded squads over the years, RCB consistently fell short of the ultimate prize—until 2025. The long-awaited victory was a moment of vindication for the franchise’s loyal fans and a nostalgic moment for Mallya, who took to social media and congratulated the team and recalled his dream of seeing the IPL trophy in Bengaluru.

“When I founded RCB it was my dream that the IPL trophy should come to Bengaluru. I had the privilege of picking the legendary King Kohli as a youngster and it is remarkable that he has stayed with RCB for 18 years. Finally, the IPL trophy arrives in Bengaluru. Congratulations and thanks again to all who made my dream come true,” Mallya wrote on X.

Also READ: All MVP award winners in IPL history: From 2008 to 2025