Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) owner and fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya has stirred IPL conversations once again, this time with his dream list of marquee performers he wishes were part of the RCB camp. Following RCB’s historic title win in IPL 2025 — their first in 18 seasons — Mallya appeared on entrepreneur Raj Shamani’s YouTube podcast and shared his admiration for a select group of IPL superstars.
“If dreams could come true — Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul. If I had these four, I wouldn’t need anybody else and would win the trophy,” Mallya said.
Mallya’s Dream Wishlist for RCB:
- Jasprit Bumrah: Mumbai Indians’ bowling spearhead and death-overs expert.
- Suryakumar Yadav: MI’s 360-degree run machine and 2025 IPL’s second-highest run-getter with 717 runs.
- Rishabh Pant: Now captain of Lucknow Super Giants, renowned for fearless batting and leadership skills.
- KL Rahul: Former RCB player and one of IPL’s most consistent batters over the past decade.
Interestingly, KL Rahul has already donned the RCB jersey in 2013 and 2016 — the year when the Bengaluru-based franchise made it to the final before falling short against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Rahul had an impressive season that year with 417 runs at a strike rate of 145.3. Following a series of transfers — first to Punjab Kings, then to Lucknow Super Giants, and now to Delhi Capitals — Rahul remains one of the top modern-day IPL batters.
Mallya Reflects on Kohli Investment
The former RCB chief also reminisced about signing Virat Kohli, a move that has become one of the most iconic decisions in IPL history. “My biggest pride was spotting Virat Kohli, a youngster from the Under-19 World Cup team. My inner instinct told me he was special, and I bid for him,” Mallya said.
Kohli has since been the face of RCB, and in IPL 2025, he once again proved his worth, finishing as the third-highest run-scorer with 657 runs in 15 matches. His performances were vital to RCB’s eventual title win, fulfilling a long-awaited dream for both himself and fans.
Kohli’s Stats – IPL 2025:
- Matches: 15
- Runs: 657
- Position: 3rd on Orange Cap leaderboard
- Ahead: Sai Sudharsan (759), Suryakumar Yadav (717)
As RCB fans celebrate their maiden title, Mallya’s remarks offer a nostalgic yet fascinating peek into the what-could-have-beens of one of IPL’s most popular franchises.
