Cheteshwar Pujara opens up on RCB’s future after winning IPL 2025, says this is just the beginning

India’s solid batter Cheteshwar Pujara reckons Royal Challengers Bengaluru could get on a roll after winning their maiden IPL title. RCB defeated Punjab Kings by six runs in the IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Tuesday. 

Pujara predicted that RCB could go from strength to strength after winning their first-ever IPL title in 18 years. RCB had a potent side in the recently concluded season and they were able to come up with a collective effort throughout the season.

“I think this is just the beginning. They have a great future ahead. This is kind of trying to take the monkey off the back. They know they have the title now, and they have the team and the capability. So, going forward, I think it will be a tough team to beat,” Pujara said on Star Sports when he was asked by Varun Aaron about RCB’s future.

The former Indian number three in Test cricket added RCB’s title run has put questions regarding their ability to go all the way in IPL, to rest.

“You have been part of the RCB environment. So you know what it takes to win a title. When the team doesn’t win the title, even though you play good cricket throughout the IPL, there is always a question mark. However, now, since they have won the title, I think they have a bright future ahead,” he observed.

Pujara was confident that RCB would qualify for the playoffs among the top two teams, but he had his apprehensions regarding their ability to go all the way.

“When the IPL started, RCB were among my four playoff teams, and the way they started, it seemed like RCB could reach the top two. I had only one doubt, that RCB would definitely reach the top two, but whether they would win the final or not,” he replied.

“That was definitely a question mark because they had not won thus far. They have done it now. So it’s a big achievement, and now no one will say whether RCB will reach the final, or can win or not. Now everyone will say that considering the team RCB have and its balance, they will win more titles going forward,” Pujara observed.

RCB was able to end their title drought and they would look to carry the good show in the next season.