Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have officially etched their names into IPL folklore by pulling off one of the most difficult feats in modern cricket: successfully defending the IPL crown. With a clinical performance in the final, RCB secured back-to-back titles after their first win in 2025. This monumental victory elevates them to the exclusive level of elite franchises, along with the franchise. Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings as the only team to defend the coveted trophy.
For a franchise that has dealt with the heavy pressure of unfulfilled expectations for nearly two decades, this dramatic transition from perennial contender to dominant dynasty is nothing out of the ordinary. At the heart of this gold standard transformation is the inspired, calm and fearless leadership of their captains. Rajat Patidar.
Sachin Tendulkar hails Rajat Patidar’s captaincy masterclass after winning back-to-back IPL titles
When RCB handed over the captaincy to Patidar ahead of the 2025 season, it was widely seen as a gamble. Patidar was known as a flashy, clutch batter, but lacked the broad-tentacled leadership pedigree usually required by a high-pressure franchise like Bengaluru. Two years later, that gamble has become arguably the biggest executive decision in franchise history. Patidar not only produced scowling, aggressive performances with the bat but also cultivated a cool, unflappable demeanor under immense pressure.
This master class in leadership caught the attention of the cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar. Surveying RCB’s historic run, Tendulkar took to social media to highlight how Patidar’s unique style of captaincy changed the psychology of the entire team.
“Every successful team develops its identity during the campaign. RCB’s identity seemed to be built around shared responsibility, with Rajat Patidar leading right from the front, but most importantly he helped create an environment where others could do the same. This balance between leadership and contribution was an important factor in their performance”, Tendulkar shared on Reddit.
Under Patidar, RCB lost their old reliance on individual brilliance. Instead, they built an inclusive, solid team culture where young players and experienced internationals stepped up to win the big moments, making them an unstoppable force in the playoffs.
Tendulkar pinpoints the key factors behind Punjab Kings’ playoff collapse
While RCB have mastered the art of peaking at the right time, Punjab Kings (PBKS) experienced the harsh, volatile realities of tournament speed. Punjab were the undisputed story of the first half of the tournament, lighting up the league with their explosive, high-stakes brand of cricket. They are completely unbeaten in their first seven matches, leading the points table with six wins and a draw.
But their dream campaign failed disastrously. The Kings completely lost their way in the second half of the season, winning just one of their last seven league games, a heartbreaking slump that saw them out of playoff contention. Tendulkar provided an in-depth analytical breakdown of where he broke down, hinting at a psychological shift in the PBKS camp.
“Punjab Kings brought a wonderful energy to the tournament. Their cricket was positive, bold and often game-changing. Ultimately, in such a fast-paced tournament, it ends up being a no-win. Punjab focused more on the process in the first half and results in the second half“,” Tendulkar observed.
As the pressure to qualify for the playoffs intensified, PBKS began to play more out of fear of loss than the unfettered freedom that defined their early success. This tactical and mental toughness ultimately cost them the season, in stark contrast to Patidar’s RCB, who secretly relied on their process to deliver back-to-back glory.
Also READ: Most trophy winning captains in IPL history ft. Rajat Patidar
