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

The ‘Greatest Of All Time’ debate in the IPL took a historic turn in 2025 when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended their 18-year wait for glory. After defeating Punjab Kings 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 and Mumbai Indians have achieved by winning back-to-back titles?

Legendary leg-spinner and former RCB captain Anil Kumble recently shared his candid thoughts on JioHotstar, offering a blend of caution and praise for the Rajat Patidar-led side.

Anil Kumble weighs in with a reality check for RCB

History is a harsh teacher in the IPL. Since the tournament’s 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.

“It’s not going to be easy for Rajat Patidar’s RCB to win back-to-back titles,” Kumble remarked. He highlighted that the league’s 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.

Despite the warning, Kumble expressed confidence in the squad’s core. RCB’s 2025 triumph wasn’t just a fluke; it was built on a balanced XI featuring the likes of Virat Kohli, who remains the heartbeat of the team, and a disciplined bowling unit led by Krunal Pandya and Josh Hazlewood. The addition of Venkatesh Iyer in the mini-auction further bolsters their depth, though Kumble suggests the team might stick to their winning combination for the season opener.

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Rajat Patidar’s leadership under the microscope

When Patidar was named captain for the 2025 season, the cricketing world was skeptical. Replacing a veteran like Faf du Plessis while standing in the massive shadow of Kohli was no small task. Yet, Patidar’s ‘USP’ his unflappable composure became the catalyst for RCB’s success.

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.

“He 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,” Kumble noted.

As RCB prepares to kick off their title defense on March 28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the focus won’t just be on the big hits, but on Patidar’s ability to manage the champion’s weight. With the home crowd’s roaring support and a stable leadership group including Andy Flower and Kohli, the defending champions are well-equipped, even if the path to a consecutive trophy remains the toughest climb in franchise cricket.

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