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"Can't Allow MI In Finals": R Ashwin Warns RCB Of Mumbai To Spoil Title Hopes

Soumyajit Dutta

Virat kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin [Source: @WorshipDhoni/X]Virat kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin [Source: @WorshipDhoni/X]

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), fresh off reaching their fourth IPL final, are fervently hoping Mumbai Indians (MI) fail to progress to the championship match. 

Ashwin, who played for Chennai Super Kings this season, stated RCB would want to avoid facing the five-time champions in Sunday's final. Ashwin contends that Mumbai Indians represent the most significant threat to RCB's maiden title hopes.

Ashwin Warns RCB About MI Threat

Ashwin suggested Virat Kohli's team would strongly prefer facing Gujarat Titans instead, should they overcome MI in the Eliminator. RCB secured their final spot with a dominant eight-wicket win over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1.

“If RCB have to win the IPL, then Gujarat Titans should win against Mumbai Indians. MI are one team that you cannot allow to enter the final, you have to stop them at any cost,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’ while analysing Qualifier 1.

“RCB will keep their fingers crossed to not have Mumbai Indians in the final. Mumbai Indians is the only team that has some chance against RCB. It looks like RCB are going the distance, but it is cricket; anything can happen. If I were RCB, my best finalist team would be Gujarat Titans. If I was RCB, I would want to face Gujarat Titans,” he added.

Ashwin, who retired from international cricket in December 2024, also made a compelling case for why this season feels destined for RCB, highlighting Virat Kohli's recent trophy successes.

"Virat Kohli, I want to tell you all one thing. I don't want to make it about Virat Kohli, but I cannot help but feel that this is RCB's year. Virat Kohli did not have an ICC title; people constantly used to say this. In a matter of a year, he has won the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy," said Ashwin.

RCB On The Verge Of Maiden Trophy

RCB's journey to the final was emphatically sealed by thrashing Punjab Kings. They bowled PBKS out for a mere 101, with Phil Salt then smashing an unbeaten half-century to chase the target in just 10 overs. 

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians now face Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator on May 30, with the winner taking on Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2 on Sunday for the right to meet RCB in the final.