Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) completed a historic back-to-back IPL title defence on 1 June, and Virat Kohli's childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma believes the franchise's professional approach makes them the team to beat for seasons to come. RCB defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, chasing down 156 with 12 balls to spare, finishing at 161/5.

A Dominant Title Defence

The victory made RCB only the third franchise in IPL history — after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians — to successfully retain the title. With two trophies now in the cabinet, RCB have firmly entered the conversation among the competition's most decorated sides.

'They were playing like champions since the beginning itself, and they showed it on the ground that they are defending champions. They came with a very professional approach this year, and that is why they won the match easily and the trophy as well,' Sharma said.

Kohli's Calmer Second Title

Virat Kohli had remarked after the win that he 'didn't feel the same pressure as last year,' a sentiment his childhood coach finds entirely understandable. Sharma noted that RCB's maiden title in 2024 came after a 17-year wait, making the emotion around that triumph uniquely intense.

'They won it last year after a wait of 17 years. So, everybody was so excited... waiting for something for years and then you win it, that's why the excitement (and pressure) was more (the first time),' Sharma explained.

The Hat-Trick Question

With back-to-back titles secured, attention has naturally turned to whether RCB can complete an unprecedented hat-trick. Sharma is optimistic, pointing to the franchise's collective discipline and the way every player has contributed to the team's blueprint.

'They are doing very well, they are playing like a champion team and everybody is doing their part. So, I think they would be favourites for the coming years,' he said.

What This Means for RCB's Legacy

This is the second successive IPL title for RCB, a franchise long associated with near-misses and heartbreak in the tournament's earlier years. The consecutive triumphs represent a structural transformation — from a star-dependent side to one built on collective effort and consistent execution. Notably, this final was played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world's largest cricket venue, adding further weight to the occasion. Whether RCB can sustain this dominance will be one of the defining storylines heading into the next IPL season.