The Rise of Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Since the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been a prominent team, often competing with the likes of Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. While MI and CSK have each secured five titles, RCB had to wait 18 years before claiming their first championship. This milestone was achieved through a combination of strategic changes and individual brilliance, particularly from Rajat Patidar, who played a pivotal role in breaking the team’s long-standing jinx.
From Injury Replacement to Captain
Rajat Patidar’s journey from an injury replacement to becoming the first captain to lead RCB to a title is a remarkable story. His leadership proved to be more than just symbolic, as he guided the team through challenging moments, including a top-order disaster in Qualifier 1 in Dharamshala. Despite not performing well with the bat on that particular day, his 501 runs in the series were instrumental in keeping RCB in the game.
A New Era for RCB
Today, Rajat Patidar led his team to their second IPL title, solidifying RCB’s place among the elite teams in the league. The victory came against Gujarat Titans, where RCB had to chase a target of 156 runs. Virat Kohli, the former captain, showcased his class by scoring a quick half-century, helping RCB win by five wickets with 12 balls to spare. This win marked RCB’s entry into the “holy trinity” of IPL teams, joining Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians as the only third team to retain the title.
A Historical Achievement
The table below highlights the achievements of the three teams:
| Team | First Title Year | Retained Title Year | Captain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings | 2010 | 2011 | MS Dhoni |
| Mumbai Indians | 2019 | 2020 | Rohit Sharma |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 2025 | 2026 | Rajat Patidar |
Gujarat Titans’ Performance
Gujarat Titans managed to post a modest total of 155/8 in 20 overs. Washington Sundar was the key performer, scoring an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls, including five boundaries. Arshad Khan provided late momentum with 15 off six balls, while Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill contributed with 12 and 10 respectively. Jos Buttler struggled to find his rhythm, scoring 19 from 23 balls. Rashid Khan added a brief flourish with seven off three deliveries.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Chase
In response, Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased down the target of 156 in 18 overs, finishing at 161/5. Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 75 off 42 balls, hitting nine fours and three sixes. Venkatesh Iyer provided a rapid start with 32 from 16 deliveries. After early dismissals, Tim David and Jitesh Sharma kept the chase on track. For Gujarat Titans, Rashid Khan took two wickets for 25 runs in four overs, while Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, and Arshad Khan each picked up one wicket.
