Former Indian captain Anil Kumble believes it is not going to be easy for Royal Challengers Bengaluru to defend their IPL title in the 2026 season. RCB, under Rajat Patidar’s captaincy, won their maiden IPL crown in tournament’s history.
Only two teams in IPL history – Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians – have successfully defended their IPL titles in the past.
Meanwhile, RCB had won IPL 2025 after beating Punjab Kings by six runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Anil Kumble said on JioHotstar, “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 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. 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,” said the legendary spinner.
Meanwhile, RCB were able to rope in the services of Venkatesh Iyer for INR 7 crore in IPL 2026 mini auction but Kumble reckons the left-handed batter won’t be part of the team’s playing XI at the start of the season.
“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,” said Kumble.
RCB will begin their IPL defense against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru on 28th March.
