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Anjum Chopra Backs RCB to Defend IPL Crown, Cites Playoff Consistency

Former Indian cricketer Anjum Chopra has expressed strong confidence that Royal Challengers Bengaluru are capable of defending their IPL title, drawing parallels with the sustained success of franchises like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. She emphasized that consistency and building early momentum are the keys to reaching the playoffs and making a title challenge. Chopra believes RCB looks like the most well-organized side this season, carrying forward their strong momentum as defending champions. She also noted that last season's runners-up, Punjab Kings, are in strong form and know how to build on their final experience.

Key Points: Anjum Chopra: RCB Can Defend IPL Title Like MI, CSK

  • RCB can defend title like MI & CSK
  • Early momentum key for playoffs
  • RCB looks most organized team
  • Punjab Kings also in strong form
2 min read

RCB can defend their IPL title: Anjum Chopra

Former cricketer Anjum Chopra says RCB can defend their IPL title, highlighting their organized start and the importance of early momentum for playoffs.

RCB can defend their IPL title: Anjum Chopra
"Yes, they can definitely do it. Mumbai has done it, Chennai has done it, RCB can also do it. - Anjum Chopra"

Faridabad, April 10

Former Indian cricketer Anjum Chopra expressed strong confidence that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru are capable of defending their Indian Premier League title.

Drawing parallels with successful franchises like the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, she said consistency is the key to reaching the playoffs. RCB won their maiden IPL title by defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in the 2025 IPL final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, ending their 18-year wait for a trophy.

Chopra added that teams which build momentum early and maintain form can go all the way, emphasising that a new champion can also emerge this season, and RCB can also defend their title.

Speaking to ANI, Anjum Chopra said, "Yes, they can definitely do it. Mumbai has done it, Chennai has done it, RCB can also do it, and again, the team that consistently plays well will reach the playoffs. All the teams reaching the playoffs start from the blocks, exactly where they left off, so they can definitely do it, there can become a new champion, and RCB can also defend their IPL title."

Chopra believes that RCB looks like the most well-organised side this season, carrying forward their strong momentum as defending champions. She added that they have not only picked up where they left off last year but have also appeared even more impressive and balanced in the current campaign.

"RCB is looking good, they are looking like the most organised team, because they are the defending champions, they started from where they left off last season. In fact, they are even looking better this season," she added.

RCB have both their opening fixtures of the 2026 IPL and now sit at third in the points table with four points and an impressive Net Run Rate (NRR) of +2.501.

Chopra also felt that the Punjab Kings (PBKS) are also in strong form, having reached the final last season and therefore knowing exactly how to build from that experience.

"Punjab is also looking very good. They also played the final last year, so they know where it ended, and from where to start again. They have also started well," she concluded.

PBKS have also started off the 2026 IPL season on a high note, winning two games out of their three fixture while one game ended in a draw. Punjab is placed second on the IPL points table with five points.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral cricket fan living in India, it's great to see RCB win and build a legacy. The IPL is more exciting when new champions emerge and then defend strongly. CSK and MI set the standard, now it's RCB's turn. The competition with Punjab looks intense this season!
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Anjali F
I respect Anjum Chopra's analysis, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. The season is long. One injury to a key player and the balance can shift. Punjab Kings are looking very dangerous. RCB's middle order still needs to be tested under pressure.
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Vikram M
The confidence from winning that first title is a game-changer. You can see it in their body language. They are not just participating; they believe they own the tournament. That mental shift is what separates champions from contenders. Well said by Anjum.
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Karthik V
Defending a title is harder than winning it. Everyone wants to beat you. But RCB has the squad depth. Their NRR of +2.5 shows they are not just winning, they are dominating. Hope they keep this momentum going into the playoffs.
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Priyanka N
As a PBKS fan, I'm happy we are getting this recognition too! We were so close last year. That final experience is priceless. Shikhar Dhawan's leadership is key. This season's rivalry with RCB is going to be epic! May the best team win. 😊

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