Former Chennai Super Kings star Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Royal Challengers Bengaluru to build on their historic IPL 2025 triumph, suggesting the franchise has the potential to win multiple titles with its current squad. As defending champions heading into IPL 2026, RCB carry both confidence and expectation after finally ending their long wait for silverware.
The transformation of RCB began with bold decisions following IPL 2024. The franchise retained only three core players — Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal and Rajat Patidar — before reshaping the squad at the mega auction.
Letting go of established names like Mohammed Siraj and Glenn Maxwell, the team invested in a more balanced combination featuring Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. That overhaul paid immediate dividends, as RCB delivered a dominant campaign to clinch their maiden IPL title. Reflecting on the squad’s depth, Ashwin believes the structure now in place gives them a strong chance to sustain success.
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“RCB can add another title in the next two years with this squad. Winning the IPL isn’t easy, but the building blocks they have and the like-for-like replacements make them a strong unit,” Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
He further highlighted the team’s improved balance. “The way they have addressed the gaps in their combination, this looks like a complete package capable of finishing in the top two,” he added.
RCB will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28. However, they may have to start without key pacer Josh Hazlewood, who is still recovering from injury.
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Ashwin, however, sees a positive angle. He noted that RCB could explore flexible combinations in Hazlewood’s absence, allowing players like Salt and Bethell to feature together before finalising their best XI once the squad is fully available.
