New Delhi, June 1: After 17 years of striving, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) finally clinched the IPL trophy in 2025. This dream had eluded them for nearly two decades. The team had come close to winning several times, but the phrase “so near yet so far” seemed to haunt them. However, by defeating the Gujarat Titans in the final, RCB has now secured the IPL title for two consecutive seasons. Let’s explore what changed in the last two seasons that transformed RCB from being labeled ‘chokers’ to a champion team.
A Change in Leadership: The fortunes of RCB shifted dramatically when they appointed young batsman Rajat Patidar as captain after releasing Faf du Plessis. Initially, this decision raised eyebrows. Patidar faced immense pressure, especially with the legacy of stars like AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, and Virat Kohli looming over him. Yet, his good fortune turned out to be a boon for RCB.
Calm and focused, Patidar took on the responsibility of leading RCB to its first championship. With advice from Kohli and other star players, along with his own decisions, he achieved what legends like de Villiers, Gayle, du Plessis, and Kohli could not. His appointment as captain proved to be a game-changer for RCB.
Addressing Weaknesses in the Auction: Before the IPL 2025 auction, RCB was often seen chasing after star players. However, under Patidar’s leadership and after facing repeated failures, the team began to focus on its weaknesses. They strengthened their pace attack by bringing in Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Additionally, Tim David was added as a finisher, addressing another critical gap. The team also welcomed all-rounders like Krunal Pandya and Romario Shepherd.
Ending Reliance on Key Players: A significant issue for RCB before IPL 2025 was their over-reliance on one or two players for victories. Whether it was Kohli, de Villiers, or another star, the team often depended heavily on them. However, in IPL 2025, every player stepped up to contribute to the team’s success. When Kohli faltered, Patidar took charge, and when Patidar struggled, Krunal emerged as a key player. If the batsmen failed, the bowlers turned the match around with their sharp performances. This collective effort became a blessing for RCB, allowing them to secure not one, but two IPL titles.
Under Rajat Patidar’s leadership, RCB now appears more balanced than ever. The team’s brand value has always been high. Despite missing out on the title until IPL 2024, both the brand value and fan trust remained intact. This resilience is why a team that once viewed winning the title as a distant dream is now making it a habit to lift the IPL trophy.
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