Former India captain Anil Kumble lauded Royal Challengers Bengaluru for putting on a statement display after the defending champions dismantled Gujarat Titans by 92 runs to secure a place in the second consecutive IPL final on Tuesday. At the HPCA Stadium, RCB produced a record-setting batting effort of 254/5, before bowling out Gujarat for 162 in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026. Kumble highlighted that piling up such a huge total in a high-pressure playoff reflected the belief and temperament within the RCB camp.
Key takeaways
- RCB thrashed Gujarat Titans by 92 runs in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026 to reach the final again.
- Bengaluru posted a record 254/5 at the HPCA Stadium before restricting Gujarat to 162.
- Anil Kumble said the ability to score heavily in a playoff showcased RCB’s character and confidence.
- Rajat Patidar top-scored for RCB with 93 not out off 39 balls.
- Jacob Duffy led the bowling with three wickets as Gujarat slipped to 51/5 during the powerplay.
Kumble’s praise for RCB’s big-match mindset
Speaking on Jio Hotstar, Kumble pointed out that Bengaluru’s approach set the tone even after losing the toss. He stressed that compiling 254 runs is a rare feat in any contest, and doing it in a playoff demands a specific level of mindset. In his view, while the surface offered something for batters, the key was execution once the team went out to bat.
Kumble also felt that the flow of the match shifted firmly once RCB began their bowling innings. He said the team prevented Gujarat’s openers from getting settled, maintained tight lines from both ends, and struck early through Sai Sudharsan’s unfortunate dismissal. That early breakthrough, according to Kumble, opened the door for RCB to control the remainder of the chase.
Batting highlights and bowling control
RCB captain Rajat Patidar delivered the anchor role with an unbeaten 93 off only 39 deliveries. Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal also contributed important runs at the top of the order, helping Bengaluru reach the massive target of 254/5.
On the defensive side, Jacob Duffy produced the standout spell with three wickets. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam Dar, and Krunal Pandya each took two wickets as Gujarat Titans crumbled under pressure, reaching 51/5 inside the powerplay. Kumble described the overall showing as among RCB’s most complete performances of the season.
What Kumble said about leadership and team depth
Kumble said the win was “clinical” from start to finish, with batting, bowling, and fielding all clicking together. He framed it not just as a victory, but as a clear statement of intent that knockout cricket demands.
The former India spinner reserved special praise for Rajat Patidar, noting that leaders earn the trust and respect of their team when they deliver in major moments. He added that the first qualifier carries significant value because it gives a direct route to the final, along with additional days to recover mentally and physically.
Kumble further underlined that RCB’s success has come through collective contributions rather than reliance on a handful of star players. He said the pattern across matches has been that different individuals step up, with the Man of the Match frequently coming from unexpected places—citing that this was also evident in the title-winning campaign last season.
In his closing remarks, Kumble said a champion side is built when everyone contributes. He pointed out that in this match, bowlers took wickets, the batting fired, and the fielding remained sharp—qualities he believes define a team capable of winning big in knockout fixtures.
Final qualification
With the win, RCB have qualified for the IPL 2026 Final, which is set to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
