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\u2019s comfortable win over Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets, Kaif assessed the team\u2019s form and suggested they look well equipped to handle different conditions.<\/p>\n
Speaking on Star Sports, Kaif analysed RCB\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Kaif said, \u201cThis game against GT was RCB\u2019s last league match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. After this, they\u2019ll be shifting to Raipur, and that should suit them because it tends to be more batting-friendly.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also maintained that RCB\u2019s bowling has continued to travel well, helping the team maintain balance regardless of venue. \u201cTheir bowling is world-class and can perform at any ground, so that part is already sorted,\u201d Kaif added.<\/p>\n
While Kaif sounded confident about RCB\u2019s 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\u2019s bowling.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne 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\u2019s quality bowling attack will certainly test RCB\u2019s attacking approach,\u201d Kaif said.<\/p>\n
Even so, Kaif insisted RCB should not be overly concerned about other venues. \u201cBut apart from that, I don\u2019t think any of the other grounds should be a worry for them. Right now, whether they\u2019re playing at home or away, RCB look in very good shape,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s total. Sudharsan\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s resistance, and Tim David added further support as RCB reached 206\/5 in 18.5 overs.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":5195,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"IPL 2026: Kaif Flags Lucknow Super Giants as RCB Test","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"IPL 2026 update: Mohammad Kaif says RCB\u2019s toughest test could be against Lucknow Super Giants at Lucknow, after their sharp win vs GT.","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5197","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ipl"],"yoast_head":"\n