'Players Did Not Gel Properly': Ex RCB Spinner Makes Bold Claim, Reveals Reason Behind Franchise's Trophyless Drought At IPL

Indian Premier League: Just days before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) spinner Shadab Jakati made a bold claim against the Bengaluru-based franchise and revealed why they are yet to win their maiden IPL trophy. Jakati played seven seasons in the T20 tournament. In 59 IPL matches, the 44-year-old bagged 47 wickets at an economy rate of 8.02. In IPL, Jakati had only played for CSK and RCB.

Previously in IPL 2024, under Faf du Plessis's leadership, RCB ended their campaign in the play-off after conceding a four-wicket defeat against Rajasthan Royals.

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RCB Would Focus On 2-3 Players Only: Shadab Jakati

Speaking to Sportskeeda, Shadab Jakati said that if one team wants to win trophies then they have to play like a unit. He added that the Bengaluru-based franchise would focus only on their two or three players. The former cricketer brought down a comparison between CSK and RCB, saying that Chennai had a strong group of Indian players and good overseas cricketers.

"It's a team game. If you want to win trophies, the team needs to play like a unit. 2-3 players cannot help you win the trophy. Chennai had a strong group of Indian players and some decent foreign players. It is important to get your combination. When I was in RCB, they would focus on 2-3 players only," Jakati told Sportskeeda.

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He added that the dressing room atmosphere is a concern for the Bengaluru-based franchise and that there is no unity in the squad. Virat Kohli's former teammate further added that the players in RCB did not gel well back in his time.

"There was a huge difference as far as team management, dressing room atmosphere is concerned. Players were very good, but there was no camaraderie, the players did not gel properly," he added.

RCB To Start IPL 2025 Campaign Against KKR

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders in the opening fixture of the upcoming edition at the iconic Eden Gardens on March 22.