Royal Challengers Bengaluru have underlined their rise to IPL royalty by becoming only the third franchise to lift back-to-back titles, successfully defending their crown in the 2026 season. With Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Bhuvneshwar Kumar among the key names on the field, the franchise’s momentum has also been shaped by a series of smart off-field decisions and support from people working largely out of the spotlight. Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin recently highlighted five individuals he believes made the biggest difference to RCB’s success.
Ashwin’s case for a RCB “three-peat” mindset
- Ashwin said that, based on how Bengaluru are currently operating, he would not be surprised if the team pushes for a third consecutive championship.
- While crediting Gujarat Titans for their efforts in the context of the title chase, he argued that the run chase demanded recognition for five specific contributors: Andy Flower, Mo Bobat, Dinesh Karthik (along with his support staff), Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli.
- He stressed that Kohli’s approach to pressure has remained remarkably steady even when he is the obvious centre of attention, describing how the batter consistently avoids letting expectations weigh him down.
- Ashwin pointed to a leadership shift within RCB after Faf du Plessis’ departure, saying Kohli stepped back and allowed Patidar to take charge of the side.
- He described that decision as extraordinary for someone he labelled an “ultimate alpha”, suggesting Kohli acted like an elder figure and a mentor rather than clinging to the spotlight.
- Ashwin also framed RCB’s journey as a lesson in timing and persistence: the franchise endured a long wait without a trophy for 17 or 18 years, then captured the title in the 18th season when the opening arrived, followed by another successful defence in the 19th year.
- He concluded that another title charge—potentially even a hat-trick—remains possible if the team gets a bit of luck.
Ashwin’s praise for Kohli went beyond form and fitness, centring on temperament and team-first decision-making. He highlighted how Kohli, despite being the constant talking point wherever he plays, chose to “go to the back of the queue” at RCB and enable Rajat Patidar’s leadership, casting it as a blend of guidance and responsibility that helped the squad function as one unit.
Alongside Kohli, Ashwin named the other four key figures he believes were behind RCB’s standout performance over the last two years. The list included Andy Flower, Mo Bobat, Dinesh Karthik and his support staff, as well as Rajat Patidar—along with Kohli, forming the group Ashwin said has been central to the franchise’s recent dominance.
How Ashwin described Flower and Bobat’s team-building
Ashwin, who has recently finished his playing career, also reserved special compliments for RCB head coach Andy Flower and Director of Cricket Mo Bobat, crediting them for constructing a side with strong balance. He said Flower’s squad-building approach stays consistent wherever he goes, outlining a clear template: a dependable defensive bowling option, a quality wrist-spinner, and a selection of fast-bowling resources that include both cutters/swinging threats and bowlers who can generate pace and bounce.
He argued that Flower’s template does not change from team to team, citing that the same structure has been used effectively whether at other franchise environments or in different settings. In Ashwin’s view, that continuity helps players understand roles quickly and allows the team to execute plans with clarity.
On Mo Bobat’s work, Ashwin said Bobat collaborated with the backroom staff to create a team where Dinesh Karthik’s local knowledge and experience fed directly into the larger planning. Ashwin also expanded the praise beyond just the men’s squad, noting that the franchise has simultaneously defended both its women’s title and its men’s title—bringing four trophies within a two-year span.
For Ashwin, that achievement is proof that RCB’s standards are not confined to one dressing room or one format. He called the sustained success “quite amazing” and insisted that no amount of praise would be sufficient for the two key figures—Flower and Bobat—who, in his assessment, have helped build a complete, high-performing cricket operation.
