“We knew”: Virat Kohli delighted after winning back-to-back IPL titles
A Testament to Consistency and Belief
In a historic moment for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the franchise has successfully defended its crown, securing back-to-back Indian Premier League (IPL) titles. For legendary Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, this triumph is more than just a trophy; it is a validation of the maturity, composition, and clinical nature of the squad he has helped build. Reflecting on the journey, “We knew”: Virat Kohli delighted after winning back-to-back IPL titles, as he emphasized that the confidence within the group was the defining factor this season compared to previous campaigns.
Overcoming the Weight of Expectation
Historically, RCB has often struggled to shed the tag of being under immense pressure during the knockout stages. However, the 2026 season told a different story. Kohli revealed that the core difference between this year and previous attempts was the internal belief that had been firmly established following their victory in the previous season. The squad entered the field with a sense of calm, knowing exactly what they were capable of achieving.
“Well, I said to a few of the boys that it doesn’t feel like the same pressure as last year. We knew what kind of ability we have in the group. We topped the table. There’s a reason why we got here first,” Kohli stated during the post-match presentation.
The Anatomy of a Championship Side
The success of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru this season can be attributed to an extraordinary level of balance within the team. While Kohli remains the centerpiece of the batting lineup, the 2026 squad displayed a remarkable ability to adapt. When the pressure mounted or when star performers faced a rare off-day, other players consistently stepped up to dominate the opposition.
- Exceptional Bowling Strength: The RCB bowlers maintained discipline throughout the tournament, providing the necessary foundation for the batters to play with freedom.
- Batting Depth: The lineup proved it was not reliant on a single individual, with middle-order contributions proving decisive in high-stakes matches.
- Clinical Execution: As Kohli noted, the ability to stick to the game plan and execute under pressure was the hallmark of their title run.
A Culture of Maturity
Kohli was quick to credit the collective maturity of his teammates for the clinical performance shown in the final. According to the RCB leader, the path to the trophy was paved by their dominance during the league stage, where they consistently finished at the top of the table. This sustained excellence was not accidental but a result of meticulous planning and the belief that they were the strongest team in the competition.
“And we just said one thing: if we stick to our cricket, if we execute our plans, we are the best team in the comp. And there’s a reason why we have done well so far in the group stage. We ended up topping the league stage,” Kohli explained. He further added, “It’s just the skill sets we have; the maturity and the composure of the guys just shone through again tonight, and it was a clinical performance.”
Looking Ahead
As the celebrations commence for the RCB faithful, the focus shifts to how this group has redefined the identity of the franchise. By winning consecutive titles, they have not only cemented their legacy as a modern-day powerhouse of the IPL but have also proven that composure is just as important as natural talent. With the team now firmly established as a dominant force, the cricketing world will be watching closely to see if they can maintain this high standard in the seasons to come. For now, however, the spotlight remains on the clinical execution and the shared belief that drove RCB to the top of the mountain once again.
