Mohammed Kaif: RCB’s Winning Template Will Remain Intact Despite Ownership Change

Rajat Patidar ended RCB's title drought in his very first season as captain.

As speculations swirl around the sale of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif believes that a change in ownership will not disrupt the franchise’s newfound winning formula.

The buzz around RCB’s ownership began last week after reports revealed that the IPL 2025 champions — fresh off their historic first title win — have been put up for sale. The confirmation came soon after, when Diageo, the parent company of United Spirits Limited (USL), announced that it has initiated the process of selling both its men’s IPL and Women’s Premier League (WPL) teams.

However, Kaif remains confident that RCB’s on-field momentum and team structure will continue to thrive regardless of who takes over.

“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 before finally happened — bowlers played a key role in their title victory,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

He further highlighted how RCB’s strategy shifted towards valuing bowlers on par with batters — a move that defined their title-winning run.

“Whether it’s Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, or Yash Dayal, all contributed immensely. Even Bhuvneshwar Kumar showed great form. RCB now understands that success comes when you invest equally in bowlers and batters,” Kaif explained.

Kaif also praised the team’s well-balanced batting order.

“Whoever becomes the new owner, RCB have now set a clear template — Kohli opens, Tim David finishes games, and Phil Salt complements Kohli with quick starts. Even players like Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya, who aren’t the biggest names, stepped up as genuine match-winners,” he added.

RCB’s Sale and Strategic Review

Diageo’s announcement clarified that United Spirits Limited is undertaking a strategic review of its investment in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), which owns both the men’s and women’s RCB teams. The review has been formally communicated to the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council, with a decision expected by March 31, 2026.

The timing is critical — IPL franchises must confirm their player retentions by November 15, followed by the auction. This means that any new buyer will inherit a team largely shaped by the current ownership.

Industry experts suggest that while the sale might conclude by March, the official transfer of ownership could take place only after the 2026 IPL season, depending on regulatory and negotiation timelines.

RCB’s New Era of Stability

Despite the ownership uncertainty, RCB appears to have found stability on the cricketing front. Their title-winning campaign showcased a disciplined approach to team-building — blending star power with tactical efficiency.

From Kohli’s leadership presence and Salt’s aggression at the top, to the bowling brilliance of Hazlewood and Krunal Pandya, RCB’s success now stems from balance rather than individual brilliance.

And as Mohammed Kaif puts it — ownership may change, but RCB’s formula for success is finally here to stay.