In the world of Indian cricket, no player or team is ever far from attention, especially when it comes to opinions shared by former cricketers. Recently, former India opener Virender Sehwag’s made headlines when he referred to Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as “gareeb” (poor), despite the team topping the IPL 2025 points table after their impressive victories in their first two matches of the season.
Sehwag’s known for his candid and often controversial remarks, made the comment during a discussion on a popular cricket show. While the comment may have been made in jest or to provoke a reaction, it raised eyebrows considering RCB’s strong start to the IPL season. After their opening two matches, RCB looked in great form, with Kohli leading from the front, displaying both aggressive and calculated batting in critical situations.
The term “gareeb” in cricket circles is often used humorously to refer to teams that may not have a balanced or star-studded squad, as opposed to teams that boast an array of international superstars. Despite RCB’s performance and Kohli’s presence, Sehwag seemed to dismiss their achievements by attributing their early wins to factors other than sheer quality. His comment immediately sparked a wave of reactions from cricket fans, analysts, and even RCB supporters who were quick to defend their team.
Sehwag’s remark is surprising given RCB’s formidable lineup, which includes some of the biggest names in world cricket. Kohli’s leadership, coupled with the explosive abilities of players like Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, and the ever-promising young talents, should make RCB one of the favorites in IPL 2025. The team’s good form at the start of the season further solidified their position as one of the top contenders for the title, making Sehwag’s comment seem somewhat at odds with their current performances.
While Sehwag’s statement may have been an attempt to get a reaction, it also brings attention to the long-standing issue of RCB’s struggle to win an IPL title despite having some of the best players in the world. The franchise has reached the finals three times but has never clinched the coveted trophy. Kohli, one of India’s finest players, has often been under pressure for not leading RCB to victory, despite his own personal success and consistency with the bat.