After an 18-year wait, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) finally lifted their first IPL trophy in 2025, overcoming the challenges they faced in their previous finals. Even with this landmark victory, former owner Vijay Mallya continues to share his aspirations for the team. Recently, during a podcast interview with Raj Shamani, Mallya discussed the players he wished he could have seen wearing the iconic red and gold jersey of RCB.

The Magic Four: Players for Mallya’s Dream RCB

Mallya was quick to name four players he believes would have significantly strengthened his vision for RCB:

• Jasprit Bumrah: The master of yorkers and a key member of India’s bowling attack.
• Suryakumar Yadav: Known for his innovative stroke play and adaptability, Yadav has been crucial for the Indian T20 squad.
• Rishabh Pant: The dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman known for his match-winning capabilities.
• KL Rahul: A versatile player who can anchor the innings and accelerate when required.

Mallya expressed, “If dreams could come true, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul would be my top picks. With these four in my team, winning would have been assured!” This sentiment reflects Mallya’s confidence in their individual and collective potential.

RCB’s Long-Standing Journey

Reflecting on the early days of RCB, Mallya reminisced about the journey that brought the franchise to its first-ever victory. Founded in 2008, RCB struggled for years in the league despite their impressive roster featuring stars like Virat Kohli. This year, Kohli again led the charge, ending up as the team’s top scorer and serving as the backbone of the squad.

In 2025, RCB not only showcased established players but also had exciting contributions from newcomers like Phil Salt and Jitesh Sharma, who stepped up when it mattered most. Mallya noted, “When I founded RCB, it was my dream that the IPL trophy should come to Bengaluru. Seeing it finally realized is a moment of pride.”

The Legacy of King Kohli

A point of pride for Mallya is undoubtedly Virat Kohli. The former team’s skipper has been with RCB since its inception, and Mallya acknowledges, “I had the privilege of picking the legendary King Kohli as a youngster, and it’s remarkable that he has stayed with RCB for 18 years.” Kohli’s loyalty and performances have defined RCB’s culture and aspirations throughout the years.

Looking to the Future

With RCB having captured their first IPL title, the outlook is positive. As they move towards future seasons, fans and analysts alike are curious about how the team will evolve. Mallya’s wish list reflects a desire for bolstering the squad with some of the brightest talents in Indian cricket to ensure that RCB remains competitive in the league. With a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, Mallya believes the franchise has all it needs to continue building on its newfound success.