Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cricketer Mohammad Kaif has opened up on the possibility of the franchise finding new owners and its effect on the team. Kaif believes the defending champions now have a proven template for success and expects any new owners to stick to it.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Diageo has conducted a strategic review of its investment in RCB and is reportedly considering selling the franchise. The franchise is likely to be acquired by new owners by March 2026.
When asked about Virat Kohli’s role and how the team will function under new ownership, Kaif said he expects things to continue according to the established template. He emphasized that RCB should keep investing in bowlers, given their strong performance in the 2025 title-winning campaign.
In a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel ‘Mohammad Kaif,’ the 44-year-old said:
“I think the best thing about RCB from last time was how they performed in the auction. They appointed a new captain, and his bonding with Virat Kohli was also good. What hadn’t happened in the team’s history before happened the previous time. Bowlers had more say in their title victory — whether we talk about Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, or Yash Dayal. Bhuvneshwar Kumar displayed good form too. So, RCB have understood to spend as much money on bowlers as they do on batters.”
Kaif added, “Whoever comes as owners, RCB have now set a template that Kohli bats at the top, and Tim David plays as a finisher. They brought Phil Salt, and Kohli and Salt gave good starts. Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya aren’t that big names, but Pandya proved himself as a match-winner with the bat and performed well with the ball.”
The Royal Challengers clinched their maiden IPL title earlier this year by defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in the final held in Ahmedabad. They had previously lost three finals before this breakthrough. Rajat Patidar, who succeeded Faf du Plessis as captain, led the franchise to glory in his first season as skipper.
Kaif also highlighted how multiple players stepped up throughout the season, preventing the team from being overly reliant on one or two individuals.
He said, “This is the template — not to compromise on bowling. Even if batting is slightly unbalanced, bowling needs to be strong. RCB performed well in the auction and chose the right players. Even if new owners come, the template will be the same. Virat Kohli is there, and Rajat Patidar is leading well.”
“I also observed that different batters and bowlers were winning Player of the Match awards. The team wasn’t dependent on one player. Romario Shepherd also played one fiery knock and won the Player of the Match award. Whoever the owner, RCB have a set template on how to move forward,” Kaif added.
Players like Kohli, Patidar, Josh Hazlewood, and Phil Salt are likely to be retained as the defending champions prepare for the next season. The player retention list for all 10 franchises is expected to be released on November 15.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-rcb-now-set-template-ex-india-star-reckons-owner-change-will-effect-ipl-defending-champions
