How Did RCB’s Experienced Players Enhance Decision-Making Under Pressure?

New Delhi, June 4 (NationPress) Sanjay Bangar, the previous coach of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, remarked that the franchise's strategy of selecting experienced players fostered resilience and improved decision-making during crucial moments, ultimately leading to their victory in the IPL 2025.

In a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, RCB triumphed over Punjab Kings by a narrow margin of six runs, securing their long-awaited IPL title for the first time. This victory also marked a significant milestone for Virat Kohli, who finally claimed an IPL championship after previously losing three finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016.

As the auction for the 2025 season approached, RCB retained key players including Kohli, captain Rajat Patidar, and pacer Yash Dayal, while also acquiring talents like Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Phil Salt, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Liam Livingstone, and Tim David. This strategy infused the team with essential international experience and balanced the squad for a successful title run.

“This season, RCB focused heavily on experience. In the past, the emphasis was on younger, developing talent—players who were not fully developed. This time, the Indian core boasted players who had touched the international arena, such as Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Yash Dayal, and Rajat Patidar,” Bangar explained.

“These players have had opportunities at the international level—some have even played Tests. This exposure enhances resilience and facilitates superior decision-making under pressure. When paired with four overseas stars, it results in a squad where 9 or 10 players possess international experience, significantly diminishing inexperience on the field, which is reflected in their tactical decisions.”

“The leadership structure was also pivotal—having a new captain, along with Virat Kohli’s on-field guidance, added much-needed balance. Additionally, strategic signings like Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar—who I believe is one of IPL's greatest bowlers—proved crucial. His addition was a game-changer. All these factors culminated in RCB’s successful campaign this year, something previous teams struggled to achieve,” Bangar stated on JioHotstar.

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden also commented on RCB’s historic victory and the legacy of Kohli, who has been part of the franchise since its inception in 2008. "Firstly, it’s remarkable how committed Virat has been to this franchise. He’s given his youth, heart, and soul—his entire focus—to RCB.”

“He’s supported not just the team but also the champions before him—legends like AB de Villiers, the Universe Boss Chris Gayle, Shane Watson, and many others who didn’t have the opportunity he had tonight: to sit on the throne and be crowned king of the IPL.

“The IPL 2025 will forever remain significant—not just for Virat Kohli, but for the RCB fans who have supported them through every challenge. It exemplifies how consistency and belief can finally yield a title. They’ve been close for the past five years—and now, they’ve achieved it.”

Kohli, who was the top scorer with 43 runs in the final, expressed his emotions over becoming an IPL champion alongside former RCB legends AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle. “What made this moment even more special was having AB right there at the boundary during the final overs. I told him, ‘I'm going to cry; it's overwhelming.’ I had to fight back tears in the last three balls of that innings—only he understands that feeling.”

“Sharing this victory with AB and Chris means everything to me. I spent my prime years alongside them. We tried relentlessly, came so close, and had such a dynamic team back then—but we could never seal the deal. That pain lingers because we invested everything into this franchise.”

“This victory is tenfold more special because those two (Gayle and De Villiers) stood by me. It’s as much theirs as mine. You can see it when they visit Bengaluru—the love fans have for them is unparalleled. They recognize how much heart and soul they contributed to this team. They deserve this as much as I do. This (trophy) belongs to them equally,” he added.

When discussing the contributions of the entire RCB team, Kohli, who amassed 657 runs, remarked, “The character within the dressing room this year was extraordinary. I spoke to AB (de Villiers), and he also mentioned, ‘I feel something exciting about this team.’ Players like Jitesh, Rajat, Mayank—guys who emerged from nowhere—and Devdutt, all stepped up.

“There was a sharpness, a quiet confidence in their eyes. They were determined. And the bowling was phenomenal. I don’t think RCB has ever approached a tournament with such bowling prowess before.

“Our bowlers were the backbone of this title victory. Everyone executed their roles flawlessly. Krunal Pandya’s spell will be remembered for ages. To perform like that under pressure, as a finger spinner, and secure those two crucial wickets—was remarkable. This was a complete team effort.”

Kohli, who scored 657 runs in IPL 2025, dedicated the win to RCB’s loyal supporters. “I declared it immediately—this title belongs to the fans as much as it does to us. They have consistently backed us for 18 years.

“We’ve encountered terrible seasons and great ones, but they have shown up for every game in Bengaluru. I’ve never witnessed loyalty like that. It’s what motivated me to stay. This win is incredibly special because of them. These fans truly are loyally royal.”

He concluded by reflecting on the support from his wife, Anushka Sharma, who has been cheering for RCB since 2014. “She’s been there for 11 years too. Through all the tough games and heartbreaks, she has stood by me. The sacrifices and emotional strength she provides are indescribable.

“Only someone in professional sports can comprehend the pressure and behind-the-scenes struggles. Anushka has seen me at my lowest and has always been my pillar. Therefore, this moment is incredibly special for her as well. She will be immensely proud.”