Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star AB de Villiers believes the men's team can win two or three Indian Premier League (IPL) trophies in a row. His comments come in March 2026, ahead of the IPL 2026 season, following the team's historic maiden IPL title win in 2025. De Villiers suggests the Bengaluru-based side has moved past its reliance on individual brilliance and now operates as a more balanced unit.[mykhel+4]
A New Era for Bengaluru's Men
AB de Villiers, who played over 150 games for RCB, shared his strong optimism on JioStar's 'IPL Today Live' program. "I feel RCB are in that zone now where they can go bang, bang, bang—perhaps two or three trophies in a row," de Villiers stated. He explained that the team's success in the IPL 2025 season, under captain Rajat Patidar, stemmed from collective contributions rather than just star power. This marks a notable shift for the franchise, which historically faced criticism for depending heavily on a few key players.[mykhel+5]
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru men's team secured their first-ever IPL title in 2025, ending an 18-year wait. They defeated Punjab Kings by six runs in a thrilling final held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This victory was a deeply emotional moment for long-time player Virat Kohli, who had been with the franchise since its inception in 2008. Kohli expressed that the win was "far more special than winning it with anyone else because my heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore." He dedicated the trophy to the loyal fan base and former teammates like de Villiers and Chris Gayle.[mykhel+16]
De Villiers highlighted that while Kohli remains central to the team's spirit, the burden of carrying the team has lessened. He noted that the IPL 2025 final saw significant contributions from players such as Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, and Romario Shepherd. This collective effort allowed RCB to reach a winning total, even when Kohli played a more measured innings.[timesofindia+7]
The Journey to a Maiden Title
Before their historic 2025 triumph, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru men's team had a challenging history in the IPL. The team, founded in 2008, had reached the final on three previous occasions: in 2009, 2011, and 2016. Each time, they finished as runners-up, leading to a prolonged quest for the coveted trophy. Their journey to the 2025 title followed a remarkable turnaround in the 2024 season. After losing seven of their first eight games, RCB staged an impressive comeback, winning their next six matches to qualify for the playoffs. Although they lost in the Eliminator match of IPL 2024, Virat Kohli won the Orange Cap for scoring 741 runs.[en+11]
The 2025 season saw them build on this momentum, culminating in their first championship. Rajat Patidar captained the team during this victorious season. The long wait for a title created a unique bond between the team and its fan base, often referred to as the "12th Man Army." Kohli himself acknowledged the immense support, stating that the win was "as much for the fans as it is for the team."[en+8]
Women's Team Sets a Precedent
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise has already experienced consecutive trophy success with its women's team. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru women's team won their first Women's Premier League (WPL) title in 2024. They defeated Delhi Capitals in the final on March 17, 2024, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Captain Smriti Mandhana led the team to this maiden victory for the franchise.[wpleague+4]
Building on this success, the RCB women's team secured their second WPL title in 2026. On February 5, 2026, they once again defeated Delhi Capitals in a thrilling final, this time by six wickets, at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. This achievement means the women's team has already won two trophies in a row, demonstrating a winning culture within the broader RCB organization. Smriti Mandhana again played a crucial role, winning the Orange Cap for most runs in the 2026 season.[zapcricket+12]
The Road Ahead for IPL 2026
AB de Villiers' prediction for the men's team to win multiple IPL trophies in succession highlights increased confidence within the RCB camp. He believes the current squad possesses the depth and balance to sustain a winning run. Legendary India spinner Anil Kumble also supported the team's prospects, suggesting that Virat Kohli might surprise everyone with new shots and a different outlook in the upcoming IPL 2026 season. Kumble noted that great players like Kohli constantly evolve to improve their game.[mykhel+8]
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru men's team now faces the challenge of defending their maiden IPL title in 2026. With a settled squad and renewed belief, the team aims to build a legacy of sustained success. The performance of the women's team in winning back-to-back WPL titles provides an encouraging precedent for the entire franchise. The focus will be on maintaining the collective strength that led to their first IPL victory and proving de Villiers' bold prediction true.[cricketcountry+7]
