New Delhi, March 12 – Former India captain Anil Kumble said that Rajat Patidar will face a significant challenge in leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to back-to-back Indian Premier League (IPL) titles, noting that expectations will be high after last season's successful campaign.
Patidar took over as RCB captain ahead of the 2025 season and led the team to their first trophy win in Ahmedabad. With RCB set to open their IPL 2026 season against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28, attention will be on whether the team can achieve consecutive titles, something that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) have previously done.
"It won't be easy for Rajat Patidar's RCB to win back-to-back titles. Only CSK and MI have managed to win trophies consistently before. But I think Rajat Patidar has done well as captain in his first season.
"When he was announced as captain, many of us were surprised because everyone expected Virat to handle the responsibilities again. But the team management decided to go with Patidar, and it paid off. He had experience captaining Madhya Pradesh and performed well in domestic cricket.
"He was identified as the captain, and with his experience, he led the team effectively. In terms of utilizing the resources in the bowling lineup, he did a good job. RCB put together a strong bowling unit, and their spinners performed well. That was the key difference. Now, it will be challenging because expectations will be high. But he looks very composed and calm under pressure. That is his strength. I am sure," Kumble said on JioStar.
On Venkatesh Iyer's chances of making it into the playing eleven, especially with RCB having a settled batting lineup, Kumble felt he might not be a first-choice player in the initial matches.
"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 win the trophy after 18 years. Devdutt Padikkal should be in the eleven. He missed the last few important games due to injury, but he is in excellent form with the bat. He will take on the role of a key player when RCB bats first.
"Suyash Sharma will be the bowling impact player when RCB bats first. That is how they structured their lineup last season. Unless they decide to bring in an extra batter who can also bowl at the start of the season, depending on how everyone is performing in the nets and practice matches.
"Otherwise, I don't see Iyer in the starting lineup. But he is a wonderful player to have in the squad. Whenever you need an experienced batter, he is there. He is also a left-handed batsman and can switch with Padikkal if the need arises during the new season," he elaborated.
Kumble also said that RCB's overseas balance remains very strong. "Romario Shepherd and Tim David will start together in the playing XI. It is essential 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 Hazlewood is fit, he definitely starts. The remaining two overseas spots will be taken by Tim David and Romario Shepherd. That makes RCB really strong.
"It makes their batting lineup very long and gives them an extra bowling option in Shepherd. The real challenge for RCB this season is the availability of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. How fit they are and how well Hazlewood recovers from injury will be crucial. If they are fit and fine, there is no problem. But I will be keeping a close eye on their bowling lineup. As for batting, I am not worried about it at all," he concluded.