Virat Kohli credits belief and team depth for RCB’s back-to-back IPL triumph

Virat Kohli said conviction, composure and squad depth were the key reasons behind Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defending their IPL title in 2026.

After guiding RCB’s chase with an unbeaten 75 in the final against Gujarat Titans, Kohli revealed the team felt less pressure than during their maiden title-winning campaign in 2025. He highlighted RCB’s consistency throughout the season, pointing to their top-place finish in the league stage as proof of their strength.

Kohli also praised the contributions of players such as Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Krunal Pandya and Rasikh Salam Dar, saying the team’s balance and multiple match-winners made the title defence possible.