Former India batter Mohammad Kaif believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are operating at a high level in IPL 2026, arguing that the only fixture likely to trouble the defending champions is their next outing against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow. After RCB’s comfortable win over Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets, Kaif assessed the team’s form and suggested they look well equipped to handle different conditions.
Kaif on RCB’s form and venue shift
Speaking on Star Sports, Kaif analysed RCB’s recent performances and highlighted how the side has managed its league-stage schedule. He noted that RCB have already completed their matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium and will move their base to Raipur next, adding that the change should benefit a batting-focused unit.
Kaif said, “This game against GT was RCB’s last league match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. After this, they’ll be shifting to Raipur, and that should suit them because it tends to be more batting-friendly.”
He also maintained that RCB’s bowling has continued to travel well, helping the team maintain balance regardless of venue. “Their bowling is world-class and can perform at any ground, so that part is already sorted,” Kaif added.
Why LSG in Lucknow could be tougher
While Kaif sounded confident about RCB’s overall setup, he pointed to the upcoming match versus LSG in Lucknow as the main potential stumbling block. His reasoning was rooted in the nature of the surface and the quality of LSG’s bowling.
“One of the fixtures that could cause a few issues for RCB is the match against LSG in Lucknow. That is a fast wicket. On a big ground, LSG’s quality bowling attack will certainly test RCB’s attacking approach,” Kaif said.
Even so, Kaif insisted RCB should not be overly concerned about other venues. “But apart from that, I don’t think any of the other grounds should be a worry for them. Right now, whether they’re playing at home or away, RCB look in very good shape,” he added.
RCB vs GT: five-wicket win in a high-scoring contest
On Friday night, the defending champions delivered another strong all-round display to beat Gujarat Titans by five wickets in a high-scoring IPL 2026 match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB chased down a target of 206 with seven balls remaining, completing the job in emphatic fashion.
GT, sent in first, posted 205/3, driven by a standout century from Sai Sudharsan. Sudharsan and Shubman Gill (32) shared a century stand to set the platform for GT’s total. Sudharsan’s 58-ball knock came with 11 fours and five sixes, providing the backbone of the innings, while late momentum from Jason Holder pushed the score beyond the 200-run mark.
In response, RCB lost Jacob Bethell early, but the chase was quickly turned around through a major partnership. Virat Kohli struck 81 off 44, and Devdutt Padikkal contributed 55 off 27 as they added 115 runs to regain control. Even after GT fought back with wickets involving Rashid Khan and Manav Suthar, RCB kept the chase on track.
Krunal Pandya then sealed the finish with a crucial late burst, remaining unbeaten on 23 off 12. He struck 15 runs in the 18th over to break GT’s resistance, and Tim David added further support as RCB reached 206/5 in 18.5 overs.
The victory lifted RCB to second place in the IPL 2026 points standings. They collected 10 points from seven matches, recording five wins and two defeats in the campaign so far.
