Former India fast bowler Vinay Kumar believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) look different this season—not just in results, but in how they operate as a unit. He pointed to the defending champions’ improved balance with both bat and ball, saying the franchise now has the right ingredients to chase a rare back-to-back IPL title, starting with their upcoming play-off match.
RCB’s play-off opener in Dharamsala
RCB, captained by Rajat Patidar, are set to take on the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier One at Dharamsala on Tuesday. Vinay Kumar said the team’s present form gives them a genuine shot at going all the way again after winning the title previously, and he also highlighted the ambition of doing something historic.
- RCB are scheduled to face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier One at Dharamsala on Tuesday.
- The target is not only a second consecutive IPL title, but also the possibility of winning the WPL and IPL in the same calendar year—an achievement described as exceptionally rare.
Vinay Kumar explains what’s changed for RCB
Vinay Kumar, a former RCB player and a JioStar expert, stressed that the team’s identity has shifted. He argued that earlier RCB sides were often carried by batting output, whereas this group looks more stable across departments and more intentional in their T20 approach.
He also referenced his own RCB record—taking 80 wickets in 70 matches at an average of 24.77 between 2008 and 2013—and noted that he is an RCB Hall of Famer while explaining the transformation.
- Vinay said RCB have moved away from being heavily dependent on batting and are now playing as a complete unit.
- He credited the middle order’s stability and power, naming Tim David, Jitesh Sharma and Rajat Patidar as key contributors.
- In his view, this spread of balance across batting and bowling departments is a major reason RCB qualified early in the season.
Bowling discipline and the plan to stay in the top two
According to Vinay, the “biggest difference” for RCB has come through their bowling. He singled out how the bowling unit has been able to keep things tight even at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, a ground traditionally viewed as favourable for batters.
He also pointed to the impact of Krunal Pandya’s presence, saying it has added further equilibrium to the squad. Vinay believes that maintaining the same discipline and structure could allow RCB to finish in the top two, giving them a strong route to the final—and a realistic chance of lifting the trophy again.
- Vinay noted that RCB’s bowling has been disciplined, including bowling “stump-to-stump”.
- He said Krunal Pandya’s inclusion has helped add balance to the side.
- He added that if RCB keep performing this way and end inside the top two, they can reach—and potentially win—the final this year.
Vinay also connected the ambition to the league’s broader story, saying women’s teams have already won two titles. He suggested that if the men’s side can achieve back-to-back glory, it would be “nothing like it”.
How to bowl to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the eliminator
In the other post-season game, the eliminator between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), Vinay Kumar offered a tactical approach aimed at containing RR’s young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. He described Vaibhav as a high-impact talent in a purple patch and advised bowlers to rely on fundamentals against him.
Vinay recommended that bowlers try to bowl wider lines and reduce the batter’s access to room, while also using variations. He stressed that the key is to trust your strengths and stick to basics when Vaibhav is attacking.
- Vinay said Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been delivering “phenomenal” cricket.
- He suggested bowling wider lines and cramping Vaibhav for space to counter an aggressive approach.
- He advised bowlers to use variations while still trusting their core strengths.
Stats Vinay highlighted before the eliminator
Vinay also provided a snapshot of Vaibhav’s output so far, underlining why the matchup is so significant for SRH’s bowling plans.
- Vaibhav has scored 583 runs in 14 innings.
- His average is 41.64.
- His strike rate is over 232.
- He has hit one century and three fifties.
- He is the leading run-scorer for Rajasthan Royals and overall the fifth-highest run-getter in the tournament.
Vinay further acknowledged that batters can sometimes hit a stretch where timing and results line up perfectly, and he said Vaibhav has enjoyed that momentum. However, he maintained that whenever bowlers get a window to pressure him, they must take advantage and stay disciplined in their execution.
