Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru could once again defend their IPL title in the next season. If they do that, RCB would become the first team to win three titles in a row.
RCB became the third team, after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, to win back-to-back titles in the IPL. Chopra said RCB has an experienced squad and players like Romario Shepherd and Jitesh Sharma will be in better form in the next season.
“You cannot release anyone. So you won’t get extra money. You can’t become stronger than this unit. Injuries is the only factor. I don’t think form would be a factor as they have so many experienced players. Jitesh Sharma’s form won’t remain bad next year. Phil Salt won’t remain injured,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“Jacob Bethell will come after becoming better than this. Virat Kohli is not going anywhere. Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar have been brilliant, along with Tim David, and Romario will not be a non-performing asset every year. In bowling, your heart beats a little about injuries, but that’s the only thing. Other than that, they should once again have a very, very good season,” he added.
On the other hand, Chopra noted that the chances of RCB completing their three-peat are good as they won a title straight after the mega-auction.
“A three-peat can happen. It could be a hat-trick because there is a very important aspect. If you have a good year after a mega auction, then the probability of you becoming successful goes up manifold, because once you have found the formula for success, you just have to stick with it. You just stay true to it,” he said.
The renowned commentator said RCB doesn’t need to make changes to their squad as they have a balanced team.
“If the first season is not good, you start making a pivot. As soon as you make a pivot, you try to make the team slightly better in a mini auction, but it doesn’t happen. RCB have no issue like that. They have had two outstanding seasons, and the third season could also be outstanding,” Chopra observed.
RCB would look to replicate the same show in the next season.
