Ahead of the IPL 2026 season, former India batsman Ambati Rayudu claimed that Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), a team that often goes after players from the opposite team, is forced to test itself against Mumbai Indians.
On Star Sports’ Cheeky Singles show, Ambati Rayudu recalled the days when he used to play for Mumbai Indians (MI). MI used to enter the field with a proper plan, planning to counter if the opponent showed unnecessary aggression on the field. Rayudu said that he never instigated any heated moment, rather he could end the matter in his own style.
RCB is famous for showing expressions during matches
Royal Challengers Bangalore never hesitate to show their emotions on the field in front of Virat Kohli. Be it taking wickets or confronting the opposing players during the match, he never shied away from a fight. Incidents like Virat Kohli vs Naveen Ul Haq, Virat Kohli vs Gautam Gambhir are some of the examples when RCB made headlines for heated exchanges.
Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc was also involved in the explosive moment when he was with the Bengaluru-based franchise. The clash between Starc and Mumbai Indians legend Kieron Pollard became a topic of discussion among Indian cricket fans.
Only people from RCB lag behind everyone else: Ambati Rayudu
Rayudu claimed that RCB players mostly get aggressive against any IPL teams, but when MI is on the opposite side they immediately go into their covers, as MI have their own ways of dealing with them.
“When I played for MI, the entire dressing room would gather together and decide that if someone said something, three to four of us would go after someone. So people would rarely go after MI players. Only people from RCB go after everyone. So sometimes things would happen. But then they understood not to go after them,” Ambati Rayudu said.
The former middle-order batsman said he had no plans to start any heated debate. He reacted according to the circumstances and the reactions were natural.
How did Mumbai Indians deal with heated moments? Rayudu revealed
“Generally, it happens on the field. Very rarely is it planned. Unless a player abuses three or four players in the first innings, we all get together. Otherwise, it happens automatically on the field,” Rayudu said.
Ambati Rayudu also claimed that he did not sledge anyone. But, this does not mean that they hold themselves back when someone speaks harsh words.
“We don’t sledge everyone. If someone starts something, we go after him. Whether we win or lose, we have to go after that person. We don’t start wars, but when it starts, we will end it. This is India’s policy,” he said.
Rayudu spent a total of 8 seasons in the IPL with Mumbai Indians before joining Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the 2018 season. He is one of those players who is well aware of the dressing environment of the 5-time league winners.
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