"RCB have now a set template" - Ex-India star reckons owner change will have no effect on IPL defending champions

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 side. Kaif believes the defending champions have a template for success now and expects the new owners to stick to it.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Diageo has conducted a strategic review of its investment in RCB and is reportedly mulling selling the franchise. By March 2026, the franchise is likely to be acquired by new owners.

When asked what Virat Kohli's role will be and how the team will function with new owners, Kaif said he expects things to run according to the new template. He reckons the Royal Challengers should keep investing in bowlers, given how well they performed in their win in 2025. In the latest video uploaded on 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 of Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal. Bhuvneshwar Kumar displayed his good form. So, RCB have understood to spend as much money on bowlers as they do on batters." "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 – 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. He also performed well with the ball," he added.

The Royal Challengers claimed their maiden title earlier this year after defeating the Punjab Kings by six runs in the final in Ahmedabad. They had lost three finals before this. Rajat Patidar, who succeeded Faf du Plessis as skipper, ended up winning the title for the franchise in his first season as captain.

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"RCB performed well in the auction and chose the right players" - Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif. (Image Credits: Getty)

In the same video, Kaif observed how different players stepped up for the Royal Challengers and won matches for them in 2025, signalling their non-dependence on one or two cricketers. He said:

"So, 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 the new owners come, 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 for them. The team wasn’t dependent on one player. Romario Shepherd also played one fiery knock and won the Player of the Match award. Whoever is the owner, RCB have a set template on how to move forward," Kaif added.

The likes of Kohli, Patidar, Josh Hazlewood, and Phil Salt are likely to be retained for the defending champions. The player retention list for all 10 franchises is set to be out on November 15.

Edited by Parag Jain