Former India batter Ambati Rayudu has slammed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) management and leaders after their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign ended in the playoffs after a loss to Rajasthan Royals (RR). 

It marked the 17th season with a trophy for RCB with the six-time IPL champion Rayudu coming out in support of the RCB fans asking them to force the management to bring in players who will put the team”s interest first.

“My heart truly goes out to all the RCB supporters who have passionately supported the team over the years. If only the management and the leaders had the team’s interests ahead of individual milestones .. RCB would have won multiple titles. Just remember how many fantastic players have been let go. Force your management to bring players who will put the team’s interests first. A great new chapter can start from the mega auction,” Rayadu said on X.

Incidentally, it is not the first time that the 38-year-old has been critical of the franchise. “If you talk about RCB, it shows that only passion and celebration don’t win you trophies. You don’t get the IPL trophy just by reaching the playoffs,” Rayudu said after RCB”s loss to RR.

In the Eliminator against RR, after being put into bat, Virat Kohli (33), Rajat Patidar (34), and Mahipal Lomror (32) played cameo knocks as RCB posted a decent 172/8 in the stipulated 20 overs. Yashasvi Jaiswal (45) and Riyan Parag (36) powered RR in the chase as they sailed over the line with four wickets to spare in the 19th over.