Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s run to back-to-back IPL final appearances is sharpening the narrative that last season’s title win was not a brief flash but the start of something more sustainable. With the defending champions showing clear intent throughout this campaign, their path in the playoffs has underlined a side that is comfortable taking control and playing without fear. The club’s decisive playoff success over Gujarat Titans was a reminder of the aggressive, fearless style RCB have leaned into, week after week.
From individual spark to collective identity
One of the biggest changes this season has been the reduced reliance on a single player carrying the weight. RCB have leaned into a group-first mindset, with impact coming from different batters and bowlers depending on the match situation. That flexibility has offered the franchise a steadier platform—less volatility, more structure, and a clearer sense of roles across the XI.
While Virat Kohli remains the most recognisable face of the team, the bigger picture is that RCB’s current shape is being defined under Rajat Patidar’s leadership. The team’s identity has become more unified, with intent and repeatable execution on the field standing out as consistent themes.
Tom Moody: RCB are no longer seen as “superstars only”
Former Australia cricketer Tom Moody believes RCB have moved past the older, superstar-driven branding that revolved around Kohli, AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle. In Moody’s view, the franchise is now being judged more for its collective strength and shared outcomes rather than depending on a handful of marquee names.
- Moody said RCB’s earlier identity was inseparable from their top stars, meaning opponents and followers often associated the team primarily with de Villiers, Kohli and Gayle.
- He added that the franchise is now viewed as a team unit, not just a collection of individual superstars.
- Moody pointed out that the “player of the match” recognition is shared more often, reflecting that contributions are arriving from multiple players.
- He also stressed that everyone plays a role and that the squad has embraced that idea.
Ambati Rayudu sees a more complete RCB
Former India batter Ambati Rayudu also highlighted RCB’s evolution over the years, describing a transformation from a side that leaned heavily on standout performances to one that looks far more balanced and complete. Rayudu’s argument was rooted in how RCB were perceived in earlier seasons versus now.
- Rayudu said that in the past, results against RCB often felt tied to whether specific stars—AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli or Chris Gayle—delivered.
- He explained that defeating RCB used to feel like beating those individuals, while losing meant conceding to one or more of those marquee names.
- Rayudu then noted that the current version of the team no longer appears to hinge on just one or two performers.
- He concluded that he does not see any side coming close to the level of quality RCB have built.
