Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) capped off another memorable Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign by defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 final and securing their second consecutive title. Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, the Bengaluru-based franchise once again showcased remarkable consistency, finishing among the strongest teams throughout the season before delivering on the biggest stage.
With back-to-back championships now secured, discussions have already shifted towards whether RCB can achieve something no franchise has managed before, i.e., winning three IPL titles in a row. Former India opener and cricket analyst Aakash Chopra believes the possibility is very real, pointing to the squad’s balance, experience and long-term planning as key reasons behind their continued success.
Aakash Chopra backs RCB to challenge for a third straight IPL title
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra suggested that RCB could be in an ideal position to complete a title hat-trick in IPL 2027. According to him, one of the biggest advantages for the franchise is that they do not need to make significant changes to their current squad. Chopra noted that several experienced players are likely to return stronger next season, while some squad members still have room for further improvement despite the team already winning consecutive championships.
“You cannot release anyone. So you won’t get extra money. You can’t become stronger than this unit. Injuries is the only factor. I don’t think form would be a factor as they have so many experienced players. Jitesh Sharma’s form won’t remain bad next year. Phil Salt won’t remain injured. Jacob Bethell will come after becoming better than this. Virat Kohli is not going anywhere. Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar have been brilliant, along with Tim David, and Romario will not be a non-performing asset every year. In bowling, your heart beats a little about injuries, but that’s the only thing. Other than that, they should once again have a very, very good season,” he said.
Why Chopra believes a title hat-trick is possible?
Chopra also explained that teams which perform strongly immediately after a mega auction often enjoy sustained success because they already possess a proven formula and do not need to make drastic adjustments in subsequent seasons. According to the former cricketer, RCB’s success in IPL 2025 and IPL 2026 gives them a significant advantage heading into the next campaign.
“A three-peat can happen. It could be a hat-trick because there is a very important aspect. If you have a good year after a mega auction, then the probability of you becoming successful goes up manifold, because once you have found the formula for success, you just have to stick with it. You just stay true to it. If the first season is not good, you start making a pivot. As soon as you make a pivot, you try to make the team slightly better in a mini auction, but it doesn’t happen. RCB have no issue like that. They have had two outstanding seasons, and the third season could also be outstanding,” he stated.
With a settled core featuring Virat Kohli, Patidar, Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya, RCB will head into IPL 2027 as one of the strongest contenders. Having already created history with consecutive titles, the franchise now has the opportunity to chase an unprecedented three-peat and further cement its place among the league’s modern dynasties.
