'RCB title favourites; Mumbai Indians are close, but...': Sunil Gavaskar weighs-in on potential IPL 2025 winners

RCB are ranked third in the IPL points table (BCCI Photo)

Sunil Gavaskar believes the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have emerged as the most formidable competitors for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 championship. In an interaction with India Today, the batting legend praised RCB's all-around strength and reliable performances, especially when traveling, and supported them to win their maiden IPL title.

Having won seven of their ten games thus far, RCB are now ranked third in the league’s points table. All of their impressive wins this season have been in away games, demonstrating their flexibility and ability to perform well under pressure. The team's only losses have been at home, which may play a role as the league phase draws to a close.

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The Bengaluru-based team has played as a cohesive unit this season, departing from the past practice of relying heavily on a select group of elite players, most notably Virat Kohli. All departments have produced match-winners, with players like Josh Hazlewood, Devdutt Padikkal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Tim David, and Krunal Pandya significantly boosting the team's performance.

“Royal Challengers Bengaluru. They’ve batted well and fielded superbly too. Mumbai Indians are close, but they’ve only just started their surge. The question is whether they can maintain it, as they have three tough matches coming up against top teams. How they carry that momentum will be key. But yes, RCB are definitely the title favourites,” Gavaskar said.

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Gavaskar acknowledged the Mumbai Indians' ascent in the second half of the season, but pointed out that RCB's balance and consistency have kept them just ahead. His comments coincide with teams vying for playoffs positions.

RCB are currently engaged in a tie against Chennai Super Kings, whom they defeated earlier this season, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The action began with CSK winning the toss and inviting RCB to bat first, who then got off to an explosive start riding on twin half-centuries by Virat Kohli and Jacob Bethell.

However, CSK bounced back after getting rid of the RCB opening pair but a late onslaught by Romario Shepherd, who smashed the joint second-fastest IPL fifty, powered them to a mammoth 213/5 in 20 overs.