Former India captain Anil Kumble believes RCB skipper Rajat Patidar will face a stern test in attempting to lead the side to back-to-back titles.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah and BCCI President Roger Binny present the winner’s trophy to Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar during the presentation ceremony after the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings, in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (Photo: IANS/Biplab Banerjee)
With the schedule for the first phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 now released, the spotlight will be firmly on defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who lifted their maiden title in 2025.
Former India captain Anil Kumble believes RCB skipper Rajat Patidar will face a stern test in attempting to lead the side to back-to-back titles, noting that expectations will be significantly higher following last season’s historic triumph.
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RCB will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28, and the focus will be on whether they can successfully defend their crown – a feat previously achieved by only Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians in the league’s history.
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Patidar took over the captaincy from Faf du Plessis ahead of the 2025 season and guided RCB to their first-ever IPL title in Ahmedabad.
“It’s not going to be easy for Rajat Patidar’s RCB to win back-to-back titles. Only CSK and MI have managed to win trophies on a continuous basis before. But I think Rajat Patidar has done well as captain in his first season.
“When he was announced as skipper, many of us were surprised because everyone expected Virat Kohli to handle the duties again. But the team management decided to go with Patidar and it paid off. He only had experience of captaining Madhya Pradesh and did well in domestic cricket.
“He was identified as the skipper and with the experience he had, he led really well. In terms of using the resources in the bowling lineup, he did a good job. RCB put together a strong bowling unit and their spinners came to the party. That was the difference. Now it will be challenging because expectations will be high. But he looks very composed and calm under pressure. That is his USP. That should work for him. I am sure,” Kumble said on JioStar.
Kumble also weighed in on Venkatesh Iyer’s chances of breaking into the playing XI, suggesting that the all-rounder may not feature in the starting lineup initially given RCB’s settled batting order.
“I don’t think Venkatesh Iyer will be part of the playing XI at the start. You would want the same starting eleven that helped you lift the trophy after 18 years. Devdutt Padikkal should play in the eleven. He missed the last few important games due to injury, but he is in outstanding form with the bat. He will take that impact player role when RCB bowl first.
“Suyash Sharma will be the bowling impact player when RCB bat first. That is how they structured their line-up last season. Unless they look to go with an extra batter who can bowl at the start of the season, depending on how everyone is hitting in the nets and practice matches.
“Otherwise, I don’t see Iyer in the starting line-up. But he is a wonderful guy to have in the squad. Any time you need an experienced batter, he is there. He is a left-hander too and can switch with Padikkal if the need arises at any point in the new season,” he added.
Also Read: IPL 2026 tickets, schedule, teams and full match list: All you need to know
Kumble further stated that RCB’s overseas combination remains strong heading into the new season.
“Romario Shepherd and Tim David will start together in the playing XI. It is a must for RCB to have both of them playing at the same time. Both can finish games really well with the bat.
“There will be a lot of talk about how Jacob Bethell fits into the eleven, but Phil Salt will definitely start. If Josh Hazlewood is fit, he definitely starts. The two remaining overseas spots will be taken by Tim David and Romario Shepherd. That makes RCB really strong.
“It makes their batting line-up very long and gives them an extra bowling option in Shepherd. The real problem for RCB this season is the availability of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. How fit they are and how well Hazlewood comes back from injury will be key. If they are fit and fine, there is no problem. But I will be keeping a close eye on their bowling line-up. Batting, I am not worried about at all,” he concluded.
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