Former RCB Director of Cricket Operations Mike Hesson has made a bold claim on Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Hesson feels that RCB will go on to win two or three IPL titles once they win their maiden IPL trophy.
Mike Hesson has been at the helm of RCB’s cricket process and knows the way this franchise runs its cricket. He hailed RCB’s methods and called it a well-run franchise. However, they are just trying too hard to win that first-ever title.
The former New Zealand head coach also called for patience and stability in a franchise to be a successful team. He cited the examples of Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, who consistently back their players to get out the best of them.
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Mike Hesson makes a bold claim on RCB
During an interview with News18 CricketNext, Mike Hesson gave a bold statement that RCB will win more titles once they win their first IPL trophy. While speaking on team consistency, he hailed RCB’s strong team structure and claimed that it will help them do well.
“I just think some sides have got it under control a little bit more in terms of that consistency around the environment, and I think that once RCB wins their first trophy, it wouldn’t surprise me if they go on to win two or three relatively quickly, because of the structures there,” said Hesson.
Mike Hesson feels that the franchise is trying too hard currently and one IPL win will relax them and help them win more titles in the near future. According to him, the team might not make the right moves in desperation which is also the case with RCB.
“It’s a very, very well-run franchise. But sometimes you can try too hard and you can be too desperate for that elusive prize. So once you win one, you might relax a little bit and let things unfold,” the former NZ head coach added.
Mike Hesson reveals how CSK and MI do well
Mike Hesson also praised the way how successful IPL teams like CSK and MI work as a unit and do not make too many changes. He labeled how CSK has been consistent from the first season with their performance and the coaching staff.
“I mean, obviously MS Dhoni is still in the team. He’s not the captain now, but Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni have been there since IPL 2, so it’s still run by the same team, still the same management group, so you’ve basically got so much consistency there,” Hesson noted.
Mike Hesson heaped praises on Mumbai Indians’ ability to unearth exciting talents and called it a big reason behind their success. He recalled how Mumbai made full use of their good time during 2015-2020 as they won five titles in this period.
“MI, have a very good scouting program they’re always able to unearth some new talent to add to an already vastly experienced and skillful group. But they’ve had some bad years as well. They’ve had some years where it hasn’t gone their way,” he remarked.
“But when they’ve had good years, they’ve been able to build on that, hold that team together for as long as possible, and then that — they had a team there for about six years, which was the envy of most sides around so a lot of people like going and playing for MI, they feel well looked after,” Hesson observed.
RCB’s strong start to IPL 2025
Royal Challengers Bengaluru started their IPL 2025 season with a bang. They defeated Kolkata Knight Riders in a one-sided encounter by 7 wickets with 22 balls remaining. It was a perfect start for them as they aim towards their first IPL title.
They are currently looking in great shape but will be challenged as the tournament goes on. RCB will next face their arch-rivals CSK in Chennai on March 28. The game is a highly anticipated one given the rivalry between both these teams over the years.
CSK too have started their campaign with a win over Mumbai Indians. They look a well-balanced side at home and will pose a difficult challenge for RCB with their plethora of spinners.
