Former India captain Anil Kumble expressed that Rajat Patidar faces a tough challenge in leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to back-to-back Indian Premier League (IPL) titles. Patidar took over as RCB’s captain in 2025, guiding them to their first-ever trophy win. As RCB gears up to start their IPL 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28, the focus is on their quest for consecutive titles, a feat achieved previously by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI). Kumble highlighted that while Patidar performed well in his debut season as captain, winning again won’t be easy.
Kumble mentioned that the decision to appoint Patidar as captain surprised many, as Virat Kohli was expected to continue in that role. However, Patidar’s leadership proved successful, leveraging his experience from captaining Madhya Pradesh and excelling in domestic cricket. Kumble praised Patidar’s composed and calm demeanor under pressure, emphasizing his ability to manage resources effectively, especially in the bowling department. Despite the challenges ahead, Kumble expressed confidence in Patidar’s leadership qualities.
Regarding Venkatesh Iyer’s role in the team, Kumble suggested that he might not feature in the starting eleven initially, considering RCB’s settled batting lineup post their recent victory. Kumble anticipated that Devdutt Padikkal, in exceptional form with the bat, would likely retain his spot. He also highlighted Suyash Sharma as a key bowling impact player for RCB. Kumble noted that Iyer’s versatility and experience make him a valuable squad member, offering depth and flexibility as needed during the season.
Kumble emphasized the strength of RCB’s overseas players, particularly highlighting the importance of Romario Shepherd and Tim David in the team’s lineup. He anticipated Phil Salt’s inclusion and emphasized the significance of Hazlewood’s fitness for the team’s success. Kumble underscored the need for a close watch on the bowling lineup, especially concerning the availability and form of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. He expressed confidence in RCB’s batting prowess while acknowledging the critical role of their bowlers in the upcoming season.
