There is not much time left for the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 and all the 10 teams are busy finalizing their preparations for the season starting from March 28. In last season’s final, Royal Challengers Bangalore won the title by defeating Punjab Kings by 6 runs on the basis of excellent bowling after scoring a challenging score of 190/9. In that match, Virat Kohli played an important inning of 45 runs, while in bowling, Krunal Pandya bowled an economical spell and took two big wickets in the middle order giving only 17 runs in 4 overs.

Now once again all eyes are on defending champion RCB, who won the trophy for the first time after a long wait of 18 years. In such a situation, the biggest question is whether the Bengaluru team will be able to maintain this success and win the second consecutive title? Former South African captain and former RCB player AB de Villiers has given a big statement on this issue.

Big prediction of “Mr 360”

Former RCB player and popularly known as “Mr. 360” AB de Villiers has given a big statement about this team.

In an interview, he said that the current RCB team is more balanced and full of confidence than ever before. According to him, not much change in the team could prove to be a profitable deal for them this time.

De Villiers clearly said that RCB has now reached the level where it has the ability to win titles continuously.

Said big thing on Kohli

De Villiers also gave a big statement especially regarding Virat Kohli. He said that last season, Kohli had realized that he was no longer carrying the burden of the team alone.

According to him, the team now has players who are hungry to win and who have the ability to change the course of the match.

Praising Kohli, he said that he is one of the most hardworking players in the world and even after a long break, he will come on the field with full preparation.

‘If you win once, you will win many times’ – dressing room thinking

De Villiers made an interesting revelation that Kohli often used to say in the dressing room, “If we can win the trophy once, we can win it two or even three times.”

De Villiers believes that this thinking has now become a part of the team’s mentality and this is what makes RCB a strong champion team.

First match against Sunrisers

RCB will start their IPL 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). This match will be played at RCB’s home ground, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

The confidence gained from the home ground and last season’s victory can prove to be a big weapon for RCB this season.

Will RCB create a new legacy?

RCB struggled with the tag of “unlucky team” and chokers for a long time, but last season’s wins have changed the identity of the team.

Now it will be interesting to see whether RCB continues this new beginning and creates a new legacy in IPL history or not. At the same time, the eyes of cricket fans will be especially focused on Virat Kohli and his team this season, which is now going to enter the field with not just a team but a champion mentality.