RCB turn slogan into reality: How perennial IPL underachievers turned into serial winners

How Perennial IPL Underachievers Turned Into Serial WinnersAhead of the 2016 IPL season, after a rare media interaction at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, then Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Virat Kohli was persuaded by the vernacular media to utter words that would go on to define the franchise: “ Ee sala cup namde (this time the cup is ours).” He obliged.What began as a hopeful slogan soon became the heartbeat of RCB fandom. It echoed through packed stadiums and across social media, carrying the dreams of a fanbase desperate for success. Yet, as seasons passed without a title, the chant became a punchline, memes flourished. Some even dubbed it a jinx. The breakthrough shattered a psychological barrier. A season later, the men’s team followed suit, securing their maiden IPL title. On Sunday night, RCB completed another chapter in their transformation. Captain Rajat Patidar lifted the trophy and declared, “ Ee sala nu cup namde (this year too, the cup is ours)”.It was about more than retaining a title. It was validation of a journey that has turned RCB from perennial underachievers into one of the most formidable franchises. With four trophies now in their cabinet — two men’s and two women’s titles — RCB have moved beyond chasing success. They are building a culture of it.The foundation of changeThe roots of this sustained success can be traced back to 2023 and the decisions that followed. Andy Flower arrived as head coach. Mo Bobat joined as director of cricket. Together, the former England backroom colleagues brought a clear vision and a long-term plan. The results were not immediate.RCB began the 2024 season disastrously, losing seven of their first eight matches. Just when the familiar narrative of underachievement seemed ready to resurface, they produced a remarkable turnaround, winning six consecutive games to reach the playoffs before bowing out in the Eliminator. The campaign ended without silverware but it served as a blueprint for what was to come.Armed with clarity and conviction, Flower and Bobat approached the mega auction with a philosophy centred less on star power and more on potential and balance. On Monday, Flower explained how he and Bobat viewed the challenge. “I sort of reframed it in my head that RCB had never won a trophy, which meant it was less pressure for me coming in because there was a very clear route upwards and towards something that hadn’t been done before. It helped us avoid getting cluttered by anything from the past. We mapped our way forward and embraced the excitement of the opportunity,” he said.Building the squadRetaining only three players — Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal — RCB effectively started with a blank canvas. The batting unit was built around Kohli’s consistency and influence. Phil Salt provided aggression at the top, while Devdutt Padikkal, Patidar, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David and Romario Shepherd added depth and flexibility. The acquisition of Venkatesh Iyer for Rs 7 cr ahead of this season further strengthened the squad, with the allrounder proving crucial when Salt was unavailable.Bobat and Flower also addressed the weakness in bowling. Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar brought experience and control. Rasikh Salam Dar emerged as a reliable option under pressure. Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma provided a vital spin dimension.Importantly, RCB strengthened the support structure around the players. Former wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik transitioned into a mentoring and batting coach role. Malolan Rangarajan was entrusted with greater responsibilities across spin coaching, talent identification and the women’s team. Mumbai Ranji team head coach Omkar Salvi joined as bowling coach.The blend of Indian coaching expertise and international leadership created a system where responsibilities were defined and every member contributed to a larger vision.Rajat Patidar provided understated but effective leadership — calm, grounded and resistant to external noise. Amid the sweeping changes, one constant remained. Virat Kohli’s connection with RCB is inseparable from the franchise’s identity. If the title triumph of 2025 was the culmination of a long wait, Kohli’s role in that journey ensured he would remain central to the story forever.Flower summed it up best. “His hunger and drive, it’s genuinely inspiring, even for older blokes like me. It’s wonderful to witness. And we’re very lucky to have him in the dressing room.”For years, RCB were defined by hope and heartbreak. Now, they are known for excellence, and the chant that once invited ridicule has become a statement of belief fulfilled.