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“We knew”: Virat Kohli delighted after winning back-to-back IPL titles

Sagar Thapa · · 4 min read
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A Dynasty Secured: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Triumph Again

In a historic moment for the Indian Premier League, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have successfully defended their crown, clinching back-to-back IPL titles. Leading the charge, the legendary Virat Kohli expressed immense pride in his squad’s journey, noting that the atmosphere within the dressing room was markedly different from previous campaigns. The weight of expectation, often a heavy burden for the franchise in years past, was replaced by a quiet, steely confidence.

The Mindset Shift: Trusting the Process

Reflecting on the successful season, Virat Kohli highlighted a pivotal shift in the team’s psychology. According to the talismanic batter, the key to their success lay in the collective belief in their own abilities. “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,” Kohli stated. By trusting their preparation and acknowledging the strength of their roster, the team managed to navigate the high-stakes environment of the IPL with remarkable consistency.

The road to the title was far from accidental. RCB dominated the league stage, finishing at the top of the table. Kohli emphasized that their position at the summit was a reflection of their hard work, stating, “We topped the table. There’s a reason why we got here first. We just said one thing: if we stick to our cricket, if we execute our plans, we are the best team in the comp.”

A Balanced and Clinical Unit

This season, RCB has arguably been the most balanced side in the tournament. While the bowling attack displayed exceptional discipline, the batting unit provided the necessary firepower to rescue the side during critical junctures. Even on occasions when Kohli himself could not convert his starts, other members of the squad rose to the occasion, proving that the team was far from dependent on a single individual.

  • Strategic Depth: The inclusion of versatile players allowed for tactical flexibility in various pitch conditions.
  • Bowling Discipline: The RCB bowlers maintained tight lines and lengths, effectively strangling opposition scoring rates during the middle overs.
  • Collective Responsibility: The maturity displayed by the younger players ensured that the batting lineup remained deep and resilient.
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The Path to Glory

The triumph in the final was the culmination of a campaign defined by composure. Kohli specifically praised the maturity of his teammates, noting that their ability to remain calm under the spotlight was what made the performance truly clinical. “It’s just the skill sets we have; the maturity and the composure of the guys just shone through again tonight,” he remarked following the final victory.

For the loyal fans of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, this victory signifies more than just another trophy. It represents the realization of a project built on long-term planning and the systematic development of player talent. By backing their own brand of cricket, RCB has managed to silence critics and establish themselves as the benchmark for excellence in the modern era of the IPL.

Looking Ahead

As the celebrations continue, the focus will undoubtedly shift to how this group maintains their standards for the future. With the core of the team performing at their peak, the franchise has laid a blueprint for sustained success. The legendary status of Virat Kohli is only further cemented by this achievement, as he continues to evolve both as a leader and a player in the most competitive T20 league in the world.

The 2026 season will be remembered as the year RCB proved that when talent meets belief, historical barriers are broken. The franchise has successfully transitioned from a team that struggled with consistency to a championship-winning machine that understands exactly what is required to cross the finish line.

Sagar Thapa

Sagar Thapa is a senior sports correspondent for The Kathmandu Post, regarded as one of the foremost chroniclers of Nepal’s remarkable cricketing ascent. A graduate of Tribhuvan University, he started his career covering age‑group and university cricket long before Nepal’s national team gained ODI status. Sagar has since reported on every major milestone in Nepal’s journey—from World Cup Qualifiers to the rise of stars like Sandeep Lamichhane in global T20 leagues. His deep understanding of spin bowling and the specific challenges faced by Associate Member nations underpins his widely read columns. Sagar’s work is known for its gentle authority, meticulously contextualising Nepal’s achievements within the broader international game. He has been honoured by the Nepal Sports Journalists Forum and his own newspaper, and he remains passionately committed to telling the stories of the valleys, academies, and tournaments that are shaping the next generation of cricket in Nepal and beyond.