The ‘Greatest of All Time’ debate in the IPL has taken a historic turn in 2025. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) They finally ended their 18-year wait for fame. After being defeated Kings of the Punjab By six runs in a nail-biting final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the franchise went from underdogs to defending champions. But as the 2026 season approaches, the burning question remains: just what can they do? Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians achieved by winning back-to-back titles?
Legendary leg spinner and former RCB captain Anil Kumble recently shared his candid thoughts JioHotstaroffers a mixture of caution and praise for Rajat Patidar– leading party.
Anil Kumble gives a reality check for RCB
History is a harsh teacher in IPL. Since the tournament’s inception in 2008, the pressure of defending the title has crushed many giants. Kumble was quick to point out that the road to the double was paved with huge psychological and tactical hurdles.
“It won’t be easy for Rajat Patidar’s RCB to win back-to-back titles“, Kumble noted. He emphasized that in the league’s high-stakes environment, the defending champions often become the hunted, with each team analyzing their plans for 2025 to find cracks. Kumble emphasized that maintaining the same intensity after reaching a long-awaited goal is a skill only the most elite can achieve.
Despite the warning, Kumble expressed confidence in the core of the squad. RCB’s win in 2025 was no fluke; built on a balanced XI featuring the likes of Virat Kohliled by a disciplined bowling unit that remained the heartbeat of the team Krunal Pandya and Josh Hazlewood. Addendum Venkatesh Iyer further bolsters their depth in the mini-auction, although Kumble suggests the team may stick to a winning combination for the season opener.
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Rajat Patidar’s leadership under the microscope
When Patidar was named captain for the 2025 season, the cricketing world was skeptical. to replace a veteran like Faf du Plessis It was no small task while standing in Kohli’s huge shadow. However, Patidar’s ‘USP’ has been his uncanny composure which has been the catalyst for RCB’s success.
Kumble admitted that he was among those surprised by the appointment and initially expected Kohli to take the reins back. However, he was indebted to the RCB management for their foresight.
“He was identified as the captain and with his experience with Madhya Pradesh, he led really well. It will be difficult now because the expectations will be high. But under pressure, he seems very calm and composed. This is its USP“, Kumble noted.
As RCB prepare to begin their title defense on March 28 Sunrisers Hyderabad At the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, the focus will not only be on big hits, but on Patidar’s ability to handle the weight of a champion. With raucous support from the home crowd and including a stable leadership team Andy Flower and Kohli, the defending champions are well equipped even if the road to a back-to-back trophy remains the toughest climb in franchise cricket.
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