Why MS Dhoni’s Viral Reaction to RCB’s Victory Matters for the IPL 2026 Market

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MS Dhoni has officially shared his thoughts on Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) famous title win as fans look toward the IPL 2026 season. Speaking at a recent event, the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain admitted it is hard to imagine any team other than CSK winning. However, he called the RCB victory ‘long-awaited’ and praised their performance. Dhoni’s rare comments on a rival team have gone viral. His words highlight the deep respect he has for Virat Kohli and the Bengaluru franchise.

The Legend's Verdict: Competitive Spirit vs. Peer Respect

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s reaction to RCB’s first title offers a look into the mind of a champion. Dhoni spoke with his usual honesty during a public appearance. "If I'm part of CSK, I can't imagine any other team winning the IPL," said Dhoni. Even so, he was quick to praise the Bengaluru team. He noted that they played "very well" to end their 18-year wait for a trophy.

Dhoni also gave credit to the RCB fans. He described them as "brilliant" for supporting the team through many difficult years. This praise from "Thala" means a lot to the millions of fans who have waited since 2008.

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What Does the 2025 Triumph Mean for the IPL 2026 Market?

The big question for fans and investors is how this win changes the league. Experts say the team's brand value has jumped by 18.5% to $269 million. This makes them the most valuable franchise in the league, even passing CSK.

This success has started a bidding war. Billionaire Adar Poonawalla has confirmed he will place a ‘strong and competitive bid’ to buy the team. Current owner Diageo plans to sell the franchise by 31 March 2026. 

For the fans, IPL 2026 will be a whole new experience. The team might move home matches out of Bengaluru owing to safety concerns. New owners could mean more money for star players and better stadium facilities. RCB is now the gold standard for sports business in India.

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The impact of Dhoni’s words and RCB’s win is still growing. As the IPL 2026 auction gets closer, people will start looking forward to who will step up in the next match.