Jose Hazlewood credited the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s team management for retaining the core team, which resulted in the franchise winning back-to-back IPL titles. Meanwhile, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who missed out on the Purple Cap by just one wicket, said a lot of planning had gone in for the season.
RCB won their second successive IPL title with veteran Virat Kohli leading the run chase of 156, as the defending champions beat Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Kohli remained not out on 75 off 42 balls.
“I think the franchise have put together beautifully. Great support staff. It’s tough to build that culture so fast when the teams change every three years,” Hazlewood said after the match.
“This (title win) is right up there. We had to wait a long time for the first win last year. More relaxed with the group (now), got the monkey off the back last year. Calm and composed throughout. Someone or other stepped up. (We won) 10 Player of the Match awards,” said the Australian.
On Bhuvneshwar’s stunning show this season, Hazlewood said, “Can’t remember a game where he went over 35 runs. Took wickets, we could be relaxed. It’s nice.”
For Bhuvneshwar winning the trophy was more important than the Purple Cap. “Yes, the trophy is the most important. I would trade it with the Purple Cap. The season went well, there was a lot of planning ahead of it.
“If you take wickets, the confidence is up. Coming into a big game, (the) past wins give you confidence. We were at our best and that’s what we needed.”
All-rounder Krunal Pandya said it was a special moment to win the title again.
“There’s no doubt about it, everything is special. It’s like having kids, winning IPL titles is also hard to achieve, so everything feels special to me.
“A lot of credit goes to the support staff: Mo Bobat, Andy Flower, DK (Dinesh Karthik), Malolan (Rangarajan). Half of the win is in the auction and we did a good job, I’m glad we went back-to-back for the trophies. 18 years of waiting, (winning) back-to-back trophies, it’s special.
“Also to Virat Kohli, waited 18 years and now winning two titles on the back…”
