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Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad has criticised Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for not picking and nurturing local talent in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Prasad feels RCB is one of the biggest brands in the cash-rich league but they have always banked on Indian and overseas players for success instead of utilising local talents. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), who are the league’s most-successful teams, have groomed local players and got exceptional success in the tournament.
Weeks before the start of IPL 2025, Venkatesh has raised concerns on RCB’s policies as the former India speedster feels Bengaluru are focused more on building the brand rather than winning the trophy. He also added the franchise needs to show faith in the local talent which hasn’t happened thus far. "How a team is managed makes all the difference. Other teams are putting faith in local talent, so why isn’t RCB doing the same? Are they building a brand, or are they truly focused on winning the IPL? They need to get the best out of their players, which has not happened so far," remarked Prasad while having a conversation on JioStar.
RCB will look to quench their trophy thirst under Rajat Patidar
RCB supporters will expect their team to play quality cricket in the upcoming T20 event and douse their trophy thirst which is going on from the start of the league back in 2008. Rajat Patidar is the new skipper of the side and his role will be to produce effective knocks from his bat and lead the side from the front.
Bengaluru will begin their campaign against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Eden Gardens on March 22. The Challengers didn’t win any game against KKR in the last two seasons but this year, they will look to turn the tables and start their IPL journey with confidence.
