Can RCB defend their IPL crown in 2026? Anil Kumble shares his opinion

The ‘Biggest Of All Time’ debate within the IPL took a historic flip in 2025 when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lastly ended their 18-year look forward to glory. After defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in a nail-biting last on the Narendra Modi Stadium, the franchise transitioned from underachievers to defending champions. Nevertheless, because the 2026 season approaches, the burning query stays: can they do what solely Chennai Tremendous Kings and Mumbai Indians have achieved by profitable back-to-back titles?

Legendary leg-spinner and former RCB captain Anil Kumble lately shared his candid ideas on JioHotstar, providing a mix of warning and reward for the Rajat Patidar-led aspect.

Anil Kumble weighs in with a actuality verify for RCB

Historical past is a harsh instructor within the IPL. Because the event’s inception in 2008, the strain of a title protection has crushed many giants. Kumble was fast to level out that the highway to a double is paved with immense psychological and tactical hurdles.

“It’s not going to be straightforward for Rajat Patidar’s RCB to win back-to-back titles,” Kumble remarked. He highlighted that the league’s high-stakes setting typically sees defending champions grow to be the hunted, with each crew analyzing their 2025 blueprints to search out cracks. Kumble emphasised that sustaining the identical depth after attaining a long-awaited objective is a feat solely essentially the most elite squads have managed.

Regardless of the warning, Kumble expressed confidence within the squad’s core. RCB’s 2025 triumph wasn’t only a fluke; it was constructed on a balanced XI that includes the likes of Virat Kohli, who stays the heartbeat of the crew, and a disciplined bowling unit led by Krunal Pandya and Josh Hazlewood. The addition of Venkatesh Iyer within the mini-auction additional bolsters their depth, although Kumble suggests the crew may keep on with their profitable mixture for the season opener.

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Rajat Patidar’s management underneath the microscope

When Patidar was named captain for the 2025 season, the cricketing world was skeptical. Changing a veteran like Faf du Plessis whereas standing within the huge shadow of Kohli was no small job. But, Patidar’s ‘USP’ his unflappable composure turned the catalyst for RCB’s success.

Kumble admitted he was amongst these shocked by the appointment, initially anticipating Kohli to return to the helm. Nevertheless, he credited the RCB administration for his or her foresight.

“He was recognized because the skipper, and with the expertise he had with Madhya Pradesh, he led rather well. Now it will likely be difficult as a result of expectations will probably be excessive. However he appears to be like very composed and calm underneath strain. That’s his USP,” Kumble famous.

As RCB prepares to kick off their title protection on March 28 in opposition to Sunrisers Hyderabad on the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the main target gained’t simply be on the large hits, however on Patidar’s potential to handle the champion’s weight. With the house crowd’s roaring assist and a secure management group together with Andy Flower and Kohli, the defending champions are well-equipped, even when the trail to a consecutive trophy stays the hardest climb in franchise cricket.

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