Virat Kohli was integral to RCB’s triumph.
| Photo Credit: K.R. DEEPAK
From going on a barren 17-year run, Royal Challengers Bengaluru is now looking to build a legacy as an IPL powerhouse.Back-to-back titles have lifted RCB to fourth on the list of the most successful franchises, behind Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders. The power dynamics of Indian T20 cricket are beginning to tilt toward the Garden City.RCB’s title defence this season was built on assembling the most balanced side in the competition — one with clarity in roles and depth across departments. It was a campaign shaped by collective strength, with several players stepping forward with match-winning performances.When Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer fired at the top, RCB surged ahead. When they did not, Devdutt Padikkal, captain Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya found a way. The fast bowlers — Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy and youngster Rasikh Salam — repeatedly shut down chases or set up victories. Krunal added another layer through a slingshot round-arm release and a surprise bouncer to keep the batters guessing. Seen as a whole, this side had answers for every situation.
Rajat Patidar became the third captain after M.S. Dhoni and Rohit Sharma to successfully defend the crown.
