Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar hails collective effort behind back-to-back IPL trophies

After defending their title at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer hailed the team's collective effort, stating that the long-waiting franchise thoroughly deserved their back-to-back IPL championships.

New Delhi: Senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar stated that Royal Challengers Bengaluru were deserving back-to-back IPL champions, adding that the entire squad should receive credit for the team’s phenomenal consistency since the 2025 season.

At a packed Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, RCB defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets to successfully defend the title they won at the same venue a year prior. “I think given the way RCB waited all these years, they deserve to win back-to-back titles. Everyone deserves credit for it,” Bhuvneshwar said in a video posted by the IPL on its social media handles on Wednesday.

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“The way the team has performed for the past two years, I don’t think we have been dependent on any single player. It’s not an easy task to win consecutive titles, but it was a great collective effort,” he added.

Reflecting on his personal campaign, during which he scalped a magnificent 28 wickets for RCB, Bhuvneshwar remarked, “Individually, it’s been a great season. A lot of things have gone well; the execution matched the thought process perfectly. It was a highly satisfying season for me, for sure.

“There is no bigger highlight than winning the trophy, for which we work hard for two to three months. Every team puts in the hours—it’s not that others don’t. But to actually end up with the silverware takes a lot. We managed to cross that line.”

Batting all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, who played a pivotal role in RCB’s championship run, said the triumph would always hold a special place in his heart. “I’ve played a couple of finals before, but this felt entirely different. It felt as if the whole country was playing alongside us. I saw on social media people praying for us, performing aartis, and doing everything possible for RCB.

“It should not come as a shock that we made the finals or won, because the brand of cricket we played this season proved we are deserving champions. However, congratulations to GT as well for an amazing campaign.

“The two best teams fought it out in the final, and it was our day. It’s something I’ll cherish for a very long time. I would like to thank God for this day, and for giving me the opportunity to represent this franchise and bring glory to it,” he elaborated.

Iyer also singled out Bhuvneshwar and skipper Rajat Patidar for their stellar leadership roles. “The way Rajat has carried himself with the bat and as a leader has made him a standout performer for us this season.

“But my vote for RCB’s player of the season has to go to Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He showed us that vintage is always special. He keeps things incredibly basic but highly effective. It was an absolute pleasure to watch him in full flow.”