Bengaluru: Virat Kohli has been described as the “ultimate alpha” of Indian cricket by Ravichandran Ashwin, who credited the star batter’s selfless leadership approach as a key factor behind Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s continued dominance in the Indian Premier League.
RCB etched their name in history by becoming only the third franchise to win back-to-back IPL titles, successfully defending their crown in the 2026 season. While the team boasted match-winners on the field, Ashwin highlighted the collective effort of both players and support staff in building a championship-winning unit.
Kohli steps back to empower Patidar
One of the most striking aspects of RCB’s success, according to Ashwin, was Kohli’s willingness to step aside and allow Rajat Patidar to take charge as captain following Faf du Plessis’ exit.
Despite being the face of the franchise for nearly two decades, Kohli embraced a mentorship role, guiding the team as a senior figure rather than leading from the front in an official capacity. Ashwin noted that such a move is rare for a player of Kohli’s stature.
“The way he went to the back of the queue and allowed Rajat to lead shows his character. Even as an ultimate alpha, he chose to support and mentor,” Ashwin observed, underlining the significance of Kohli’s sacrifice for the greater good of the team.
Five key figures behind RCB’s success
Ashwin also identified five individuals who played crucial roles in RCB’s title-winning campaign. Alongside Kohli and Patidar, he credited head coach Andy Flower, Director of Cricket Mo Bobat, and mentor Dinesh Karthik.
According to Ashwin, Flower’s team-building philosophy has been instrumental in shaping successful squads across leagues. He emphasised how the coach consistently maintains a balanced combination of defensive bowlers, quality spinners, and varied pace options.
Bobat’s collaboration with the backroom staff, combined with Karthik’s local knowledge and experience, further strengthened the team’s structure. This cohesive approach allowed RCB to build a squad capable of handling different match situations effectively.
Balanced squad and winning template
Ashwin pointed out that RCB’s success was not limited to individual brilliance but stemmed from a well-thought-out team composition. Players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar added depth and reliability, particularly in the bowling department.
He also praised the franchise for achieving success across both men’s and women’s competitions, highlighting the organisation’s overall strength and planning. Winning multiple titles in a short span, he said, reflects a system that is functioning at a high level.
The former India all-rounder further suggested that RCB could potentially achieve a rare hat-trick of IPL titles if they maintain their current form and get favourable conditions.
A lesson in patience and perseverance
Ashwin used RCB’s journey as an example of perseverance, noting that the franchise had gone nearly 17–18 years without winning a title before finally breaking the drought. Their subsequent back-to-back triumphs underline the importance of persistence and belief.
The transformation from perennial underachievers to dominant champions serves as a powerful lesson in sport — that sustained effort and the right combination of leadership and planning can eventually yield success.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s evolution from a central figure to a guiding force behind the scenes has been pivotal in RCB’s resurgence. Combined with strong leadership from Rajat Patidar and strategic inputs from the coaching staff, the franchise has built a formidable unit. As Ravichandran Ashwin suggests, if the current momentum continues, Royal Challengers Bengaluru could well be on course for an unprecedented third consecutive IPL title.