Former India pacer Vinay Kumar has backed table-toppers Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to go all the way in IPL 2025, citing the side's balance across all departments as the primary reason they sealed a playoff berth ahead of the rest of the field. Speaking to JioStar, Vinay said a men's title this season would be especially meaningful given that the RCB women's team has already claimed two championships.

What Has Changed for RCB This Season

RCB have historically leaned on their batting, but Vinay argued that this edition has been different. 'RCB have played outstanding cricket this season and, unlike previous years when they were heavily dependent on batting, they are now playing as a team; they look like a complete side,' he said.

The former pacer pointed to the middle order as a key pillar, with Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, and Rajat Patidar providing both stability and power — attributes he described as 'crucial in T20 cricket.'

Bowling Discipline the Biggest Differentiator

Vinay reserved special praise for RCB's bowling unit, calling it the biggest shift from previous seasons. 'Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and the rest of the attack have brought discipline to the attack, which was key at a batting-friendly venue like Chinnaswamy. They stick to the basics and bowl stump-to-stump,' he said.

He also highlighted Krunal Pandya's inclusion as a factor that has added further balance to the eleven. 'That balance across departments is one of the main reasons RCB qualified early,' Vinay said.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Role in the Playoffs

On Bhuvneshwar Kumar's importance to the attack, Vinay was emphatic. 'Bhuvneshwar Kumar's role is extremely important for RCB, both as a bowler and as the leader of the attack. He has bowled brilliantly alongside Josh Hazlewood and Rasikh Salam, maintaining a disciplined, almost Test-match-like approach and lengths,' he said.

Vinay expressed confidence that the experience within the attack would prevent any nerves in the knockout rounds. 'I don't think Bhuvneshwar or the bowling attack will take any pressure in the playoffs. They will look to treat the playoffs like any other game and focus on executing their basics,' he added.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi: 'Fearless Prodigy' Who Demands Respect

Vinay also weighed in on Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the teenaged Rajasthan Royals batter who has drawn widespread attention this season, calling him a 'fearless prodigy.' He advised bowlers to trust their own game rather than be overawed. 'Against an aggressive batter like him, bowlers need to stick to their basics and trust their strengths. If he is attacking hard, bowling wider lines or cramping him for room can be effective, along with using your variations,' Vinay said.

He acknowledged that Suryavanshi has been riding a purple patch but noted that opportunities will arise. 'Whenever bowlers get an opportunity against him, they need to capitalise on it,' he added.

What's Next: Qualifier 1 in Dharamshala

RCB will face 2022 IPL champions Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on Tuesday. The winner will advance directly to the IPL 2025 final, scheduled for 31 May at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. A victory would give RCB a chance to become back-to-back champions — something no side has achieved in the modern ten-team format.