Lalit Modi tips ’good friend’s’ IPL franchise for 2025 glory; says ‘they surely deserve it, would be a fitting win’

Former Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi has tipped Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to win the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ever since the IPL began in 2008, RCB are one of the two teams (Delhi Capitals are the other) from the inaugural season who have not won the trophy till now. RCB played three finals in 2009, 2011 and 2016, but had to be satisfied with a runners-up finish.

Although RCB haven't won a single IPL title this far, the Bengaluru-based franchise is the one of most followed IPL sides on social media. "I think I will take to predicting that @royalchallengers.bengaluru will win the @iplt20 this year. It will be much loved by the #rcb #fans who have waited a good 18 years. They surely deserve it," Modi said in an Instagram post that went viral on social media.

Bought by Vijay Mallya, an Indian fugitive living in United Kingdom, RCB are known to be the most star-studded team in the history of IPL. Modi also heaped praise for Virat Kohli, who has grown as a face of RCB over the years.

"What stellar performance this season by the team. @virat.kohli the #superstar who started with @royalchallengers.bengaluru right from the start of season one - when he was a youngster who had just captained #india A team which he led to win the #cricketworldcup2008 - he went from there on to a #brilliant career winning the #hearts of over #billion people globally.

“It would be a #fitting win for the team and HIM, which was bought by my good friend @vijaymallyaofficial for 112 million dollars in 2008. Wish them all the best,” added Modi. Mallya, who is a subject of an extradition effort by the Indian Government to return him from the UK to face charges of financial crimes in India, left RCB as a director in 2016.

How have RCB faced in IPL 2025?

Under new captain Rajat Patidar, RCB have started on a brilliant note, winning four out of six matches so far in IPL 2025. Both of RCB's losses came at their own den at the M Chinnaswamy stadium. RCB will next host Punjab Kings at home on April 18.

Stay updated on all the action from the IPL 2025. Check the IPL 2025 Schedule, track the latest IPL 2025 Points Table, and follow the top performers with the Orange Cap and Purple Cap.