As the IPL 2025 season unfolds, early performances are offering an intriguing glimpse into the competitive landscape. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) currently sit at the top of the points table with two wins from two games, closely followed by Delhi Capitals, who too boast a 100 percent record so far.
Sehwag Takes a Shot at RCB
In a video that quickly set social media ablaze, former India opener Virender Sehwag was seen openly mocking RCB, referring to them as “gareeb” (poor). Sehwag’s comments came in the wake of RCB’s brilliant start to the season. While his light-hearted taunt was directed at RCB, Sehwag clarified that his remark was aimed at teams that have yet to win an IPL title—even though, monetarily, every franchise is flush with cash.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Sehwag said,
“Gareebon ko bhi toh rehne de, photo le le thodi der. Pata nahi kitnin der gareeb log upar rahenge.”
(Let the poor be on top of the IPL points, let them click photos. Who knows for how long they will be at the top.)
He further explained that his jab was not about money—since franchises earn 400-500 crore every season—but about the lack of trophy success. Sehwag’s “gareeb” remark was a direct shot at those teams that, despite their financial muscle, have never tasted IPL glory.
The Trophy Drought
Among the current IPL franchises, only Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants have not yet clinched an IPL title. Notably, the Super Giants only joined the league in 2022, which partly explains their absence from the winner’s circle. Sehwag’s comments thus resonate with the broader narrative of on-field success being the ultimate measure of a franchise’s worth.
The Road Ahead
With IPL 2025 still in its early stages, RCB and other title-less franchises have plenty of time to rewrite their narratives. Sehwag’s playful yet pointed remarks add an extra layer of anticipation and rivalry as teams battle for supremacy. Whether his jibe will fuel RCB’s resolve or become just another footnote in IPL banter remains to be seen, but it has certainly ignited conversations among fans and pundits alike.
