As the excitement builds for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) set to commence on March 28, only the schedule for the initial 20 matches has been unveiled, primarily due to state elections. The inaugural match will see the reigning champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
In a recent statement, cricket legend Anil Kumble expressed doubts about RCB’s ability to secure consecutive titles. “Winning back-to-back titles will be a tough challenge for Rajat Patidar’s RCB. Historically, only CSK and MI have achieved this feat,” he remarked.
Kumble didn’t hold back in his praise for Patidar, who led the Bengaluru team to its first championship in the high-stakes league. He acknowledged the pressures that lie ahead for the captain, highlighting the heightened expectations following their recent success.
“Rajat Patidar has shown great promise in his debut season as captain. His appointment surprised many, as most anticipated Virat Kohli would retain the role. However, the decision to choose Patidar proved fruitful. Despite his limited captaincy experience at the domestic level, he has managed the team exceptionally well,” Kumble noted.
He further emphasized the challenge that awaits Patidar, stating, “With rising expectations, he must remain composed. His ability to stay calm under pressure is his unique selling point, and that should serve him well moving forward.”
In related news, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Secretary, Santosh Menon, announced that M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will host five of RCB’s home matches in IPL 2026, including a playoff and the final. The remaining two home games will take place at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
Cricketing action at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has been on hold since June of last year. Following RCB’s historic win, a large crowd celebrated outside the venue, tragically leading to a stampede that resulted in 11 fatalities and numerous injuries.
(With ANI Inputs)