Shadab Jakati, a former spinner who played for both Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), recently opened up about why RCB has found it challenging to clinch the IPL trophy.
Having launched his IPL journey with CSK, Jakati switched to RCB in 2014 but had a brief stint, hitting the field just once that season. Despite being a foundational team since the league’s inception in 2008, RCB is among the three franchises yet to lift the coveted title. Jakati shared insights from his experiences, shedding light on what he believes are the reasons behind RCB’s elusive championship success.
Discussing the roadblocks to RCB’s triumph, Jakati underscored the significance of teamwork over individual brilliance in securing IPL victories. Drawing from his tenure at CSK, he praised their well-rounded squad, which skillfully blended a strong core of Indian players with efficient overseas talent. Conversely, he noticed RCB’s tendency to rely too heavily on their star players.
“It’s a team game. To win trophies, a team has to function as a cohesive unit. You can’t just depend on two or three standout players. Chennai had a formidable group of Indian players and a solid pool of foreign talent. Getting your combination right is crucial. At RCB, the focus was mainly on just a few players,” Jakati told Sportskeeda.
He also highlighted key differences in the team environment between the franchises. Despite RCB’s strong player roster, Jakati sensed a lack of unity that, he felt, hindered their success.
“There was a noticeable contrast in team management and the atmosphere in the dressing room. While the players were talented, there was a lack of camaraderie; they did not gel as a unit. Chennai’s management excelled in caring for their players. These seemingly minor details can make a significant impact,” Jakati added.
Jakati’s observations offer a glimpse into the reasons behind RCB’s ongoing challenges. Although they’ve reached the IPL finals three times (in 2009, 2011, and 2016), they still hunt for their first win. Despite having some of the league’s most celebrated players, RCB’s struggles may stem from an inability to cultivate teamwork and a harmonious environment. As RCB gears up for future seasons, Jakati’s insights suggest that resolving these behind-the-scenes issues could be as vital as refining their game on the field to end their trophy woes.
