Cricket Fraternity Hails RCB's Successful IPL Title Defence
Legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar hailed RCB’s accomplishment and said the challenge for the team was no longer proving they could win a title, but sustaining success
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful defence of their Indian Premier League (IPL) title drew praise from across the cricketing world, with several former and current players congratulating the franchise on its historic achievement.
Legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar hailed RCB’s accomplishment and said the challenge for the team was no longer proving they could win a title, but sustaining success.
“Congratulations to @RCBTweets on winning consecutive IPL titles. One of the challenges in sport is that success changes the questions you have to answer. After winning once, the task is no longer proving you can do it, but proving you can sustain it. RCB met that challenge impressively this season. A well-deserved achievement!” Tendulkar posted on X.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla also congratulated the franchise and praised Virat Kohli for delivering on the big stage.
“Congratulations to @RCBTweets and Rajat Patidar on winning IPL 2026 and becoming back-to-back champions. Virat Kohli once again showcased his immense class on the big stage. A thoroughly deserved triumph built on consistency, character and outstanding teamwork throughout the season,” he wrote.
Former RCB captain Faf du Plessis said he had predicted the title triumph before the season began.
“Wow. Called it before the IPL… back-to-back champions! Congratulations to Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Mo Bobat, Andy Flower and the entire RCB team. From day one, this looked like the most complete team in the competition. Consistent, clinical and deserving champions,” he posted.
Even fierce rivals Chennai Super Kings acknowledged RCB’s feat and welcomed them to the exclusive club of teams to have defended an IPL title.
“Winning back-to-back is always a special feeling. Congrats RCB and welcome to the club,” CSK posted.
Former RCB star AB de Villiers kept it brief, writing: “Ee Saala… 2x Naamdu.”
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan highlighted how RCB had transformed after ending their title drought in 2025.
“RCB RCB. Sher ko khoon mooh lag gaya hai. Champion,” Pathan posted.
He also praised Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 75 in the final, lauding the batter’s adaptability and ability to anchor the chase under pressure.
Former India batter Suresh Raina hailed RCB’s campaign and captain Rajat Patidar’s leadership.
“Once was so nice, they did it twice. What a campaign by ‘Attacking Champions’ RCB. A near-perfect campaign and the trophy is in the right hands of captain Rajat Patidar. Special mention to Virat Kohli for that knock,” Raina wrote.
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh also congratulated the franchise.
“Big congratulations RCB. Back-to-back. Winning it in style. Domination continues. Well deserved, Chase Master Kohli,” he posted.
Former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop described RCB as a “well-constructed team” capable of handling all situations.
“Congratulations to RCB on back-to-back IPL titles. Truly a well-constructed team for all situations. Very popular victory,” Bishop wrote.
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan praised captain Rajat Patidar for joining an elite list of skippers to win consecutive IPL titles.
“Back-to-back IPL titles is a remarkable achievement. Rajat Patidar should be proud to join the elite company of MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as captains with consecutive titles. Virat Kohli being his own self, Bhuvneshwar Kumar leading the bowling attack brilliantly and the entire squad delivering when it mattered most. Congratulations RCB,” Dhawan posted.
RCB defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 75 as RCB chased down 156 with two overs to spare, securing their second successive IPL title.
