New Delhi: Bhuvneshwar Kumar praised the backroom staff and detailed planning behind Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful IPL 2026 campaign after the defending champions stormed into their second consecutive final with a commanding 92 run win over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1.
The experienced fast bowler played a major role in the victory with an outstanding spell of 3 wickets for 28 runs in four overs, helping dismantle Gujarat’s batting lineup during their chase of a massive 255 run target at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. His performance also helped him reclaim the Purple Cap as the tournament’s leading wicket taker.
While RCB captain Rajat Patidar grabbed attention with a blistering unbeaten 93, Bhuvneshwar highlighted the contribution of the coaching and analytical staff in shaping the team’s bowling success throughout the season.
According to the senior pacer, the support staff has played a huge role in preparing match strategies and helping bowlers execute plans effectively. He also credited the experience shared between himself and Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, saying it has benefited the bowling unit significantly.
Bhuvneshwar explained that although modern T20 cricket relies heavily on analytics and data, RCB maintains a balanced approach rather than depending entirely on statistics. He said the team uses data to identify areas for improvement while still trusting match awareness and execution on the field.
One of RCB’s key bowling tactics against Gujarat was consistently attacking the stumps and denying batters room to play aggressive shots. The strategy worked effectively as Gujarat kept losing wickets at regular intervals before being bowled out for 162.
The 36 year old has been one of the standout performers of the IPL 2026 season, taking 26 wickets in 15 matches at an impressive average of 18.15. His consistency has been central to Bengaluru’s strong title defence campaign.
The latest victory also marked RCB’s fifth appearance in an IPL final, keeping alive hopes of becoming only the third franchise after Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings to successfully defend an IPL title.
