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The \u2018Greatest Of All Time\u2019 debate in the IPL took a historic turn in 2025 when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)<\/strong><\/a> finally ended their 18-year wait for glory. After defeating Punjab Kings<\/strong> by six runs in a nail-biting final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the franchise transitioned from underachievers to defending champions. However, as the 2026 season approaches, the burning question remains: can they do what only Chennai Super Kings<\/strong> and Mumbai Indians<\/strong> have achieved by winning back-to-back titles?<\/p>\n Legendary leg-spinner and former RCB captain Anil Kumble<\/strong> recently shared his candid thoughts on JioHotstar<\/strong>, offering a blend of caution and praise for the Rajat Patidar<\/strong>-led side.<\/p>\n History is a harsh teacher in the IPL. Since the tournament\u2019s inception in 2008, the pressure of a title defense has crushed many giants. Kumble was quick to point out that the road to a double is paved with immense psychological and tactical hurdles.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not going to be easy for Rajat Patidar\u2019s RCB to win back-to-back titles<\/em>,\u201d Kumble remarked. He highlighted that the league\u2019s high-stakes environment often sees defending champions become the hunted, with every team analyzing their 2025 blueprints to find cracks. Kumble emphasized that maintaining the same intensity after achieving a long-awaited goal is a feat only the most elite squads have managed.<\/p>\n Despite the warning, Kumble expressed confidence in the squad\u2019s core. RCB\u2019s 2025 triumph wasn\u2019t just a fluke; it was built on a balanced XI featuring the likes of Virat Kohli<\/strong><\/a>, who remains the heartbeat of the team, and a disciplined bowling unit led by Krunal Pandya<\/strong> and Josh Hazlewood<\/strong>. The addition of Venkatesh Iyer<\/strong> in the mini-auction further bolsters their depth, though Kumble suggests the team might stick to their winning combination for the season opener.<\/p>\n Also READ:\u00a0Sanjay Bangar picks his Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) playing XI for IPL 2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n When Patidar was named captain for the 2025 season, the cricketing world was skeptical. Replacing a veteran like Faf du Plessis<\/strong> while standing in the massive shadow of Kohli was no small task. Yet, Patidar\u2019s \u2018USP\u2019 his unflappable composure became the catalyst for RCB\u2019s success.<\/p>\n Kumble admitted he was among those surprised by the appointment, initially expecting Kohli to return to the helm. However, he credited the RCB management for their foresight.<\/p>\n \u201cHe was identified as the skipper, and with the experience he had with Madhya Pradesh, he led really well. Now it will be challenging because expectations will be high. But he looks very composed and calm under pressure. That is his USP<\/em>,\u201d Kumble noted.<\/p>\n As RCB prepares to kick off their title defense on March 28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad<\/strong> at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the focus won\u2019t just be on the big hits, but on Patidar\u2019s ability to manage the champion\u2019s weight. With the home crowd\u2019s roaring support and a stable leadership group including Andy Flower<\/strong> and Kohli, the defending champions are well-equipped, even if the path to a consecutive trophy remains the toughest climb in franchise cricket.<\/p>\n Also READ:\u00a0\u2018Sarpanch Sahab\u2019 Shreyas Iyer headlines Punjab Kings\u2019 jersey launch for IPL 2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nAnil Kumble weighs in with a reality check for RCB<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Rajat Patidar\u2019s leadership under the microscope<\/strong><\/h2>\n