Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif commented on recent allegations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) potentially changing ownership. The 2025 IPL champions, which Diageo presently owns through its subsidiary United Spirits Limited (USL), are apparently up for sale.
Despite news of this event, Kaif feels that the ownership change will have little impact on the franchise’s on-field performance, especially after winning the title.
According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Diageo has launched a strategic assessment of its investment in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), the company that owns both the men’s IPL and the women’s Premier League (WPL) franchises. The review is planned to be concluded on March 31, 2026.
This comes at a time when Diageo is confronting headwinds in its global beverage business. Interestingly, only a few months ago, the firm rejected any plans to sell the franchise, calling such allegations speculative. However, the situation appears to have changed, with Diageo now aggressively looking into a prospective divestiture. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif, who played for RCB between 2011 and 2012, stated that the club has now discovered the balance that had previously eluded them.
“I think the best thing about RCB from last time was how they performed in the auction. They appointed a new captain and his bonding with Virat Kohli was also good. What hadn’t happened in the team’s history before, happened the previous time. Bowlers had more say in their title victory. Whether we talk of Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal. Bhuvneshwar Kumar displayed his good form. So, RCB have understood to spend as much money on bowlers as they do on batters,” Kaif said.
Kaif praises RCB’s bowling attack and auction approach
He praised the franchise’s bowling attack and auction approach that led them to their maiden title earlier this year. Kaif further revealed that RCB’s success was built on contributions from across the squad rather than dependence on one or two stars.
“Whoever comes as owners, RCB have now set a template that Kohli bats at the top and Tim David plays as a finisher. They brought Phil Salt – Kohli and Salt gave good starts. Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya aren’t that big names but Pandya proved himself as a match-winner with the bat. He also performed well with the ball,” he added.
Even with the ongoing ownership discussions, RCB’s cricket operations remain unaffected. The team is currently preparing for the 2026 season, with player retention lists set to be finalized by November 15. Any potential new owner will have to work with a squad largely built by the current management, at least until the completion of the sale.
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