There’s an eerie similarity between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Apart from being two of the most famous sporting franchises, the two clubs have seen similar struggles and are now experiencing new highs. Led by Luis Enrique, PSG have reached an echelon of triumphs ever since they have made some tectonic changes. Similarly, at RCB, we are seeing the same script. PSG has done it twice; it is now RCB’s chance to repeat the heroics when they face the Gujarat Titans (GT) tonight at the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad.
No more stars, PSG and RCB now perform as ‘team’
Both RCB and PSG, who have always enjoyed phenomenal fan bases, were known for having the best individuals. While the IPL has a salary limit, PSG had an influx of money due to their Qatar-based owners. For the longest time in the 21st century, they brought in stars. From the 222 million Euro worth transfer of Neymar from Barcelona to Kylian Mbappe’s 180 million euro transfer, PSG have recorded the biggest buys in football history.
Even Lionel Messi had his stay in the French capital. Earlier, the days of Zlatan Ibrahimović and Edinson Cavani were the seasons of what-ifs as well. They always bossed the domestic leagues, but the elusive UEFA Champions League dream remained distant.
But ever since they have let Mbappe go and have moved forward towards a more ‘team-centric’ system, PSG have become a force to be reckoned with. They brought in Luis Enrique, one of the best of this generation, who adopted the new approach of fast-paced football. No individual stars. Just a team built on system-based football that chokes opposition with pace and directness.
That has resulted in two Champions League triumphs back-to-back. Countless teams have played in the tournament but only ten have defended the crown, the biggest club tournament in football. PSG are now one of them. From years of heartbreaks, PSG are now the best team in Europe.
What has been RCB’s success story?
Not indifferently, RCB have been on the same path. They have perhaps the most passionate fan base. But that doesn’t account for anything on the field. Led by Virat Kohli, RCB always had mega stars. AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle are perhaps the two best batters to have played the game. Yet, RCB didn’t win a single IPL title for the first 17 years. Everything led to frustrations.
Now, you may ask, what’s changed? Well, a lot. Most of it off the field. After an unsuccessful IPL 2023 campaign, RCB made a masterstroke by bringing in Andy Flower as head coach and Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat. The two have flipped the script big time. RCB no longer signs players who are individual stars in their own right but goes for role-specific buys.
Take Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Phil Salt in account. Barring Salt, both Pandya and Bhuvi are on the other side of 30s. Yet, they have found a second wind at RCB. Salt, meanwhile, doesn’t carry a name like Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma but is low-key the most dangerous bet. More importantly, the decision to make Rajat Patidar the captain was an underrated choice. But they went with it, taking some limelight away from Kohli, who has rediscovered himself.
The team has a specific plan set, and that is to go helter-skelter with the bat. With the ball, they have a certain plans, go with a tall overseas bowler, alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has been a revelation as well. Despite not having a gun spinner in their ranks, they have their defensive bowling sorted. They know, whatever, they might leak, their batting has the prowess to make a run extra.
Cricket
Unpopular Opinion: New ICC World Cup formats nothing but a ploy for more IND vs PAK matches
