Ahmedabad: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar has emphasized the importance of a strong bowling attack ahead of the IPL 2026 Final against Gujarat Titans, stating that quality bowlers will be the key to winning the championship.
RCB will face hosts Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, with the Bengaluru franchise aiming to secure their second consecutive IPL title.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Patidar highlighted the significance of taking wickets on high-scoring surfaces where totals of 200-plus have become common.
“If you want to win the competition, you need a good bowling attack. On these pitches, scoring 200-220 runs is easier, but defending such totals is much tougher. That’s why having a quality bowling unit is crucial,” Patidar said.
Patidar Praises Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Leadership
The RCB skipper reserved special praise for veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has been instrumental in the team’s success this season with 26 wickets from 15 matches.
Patidar credited Bhuvneshwar’s experience, planning, and tactical awareness for helping RCB maintain consistency throughout the tournament.
“Bhuvi has bowled superbly. His clarity of thought, planning, and execution have played a massive role for the team,” he added.
Rasikh Salam’s Contributions Strengthen RCB Bowling Attack
Patidar also highlighted the contributions of emerging pacer Rasikh Salam, who has picked up 16 wickets in 11 matches and provided crucial breakthroughs alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood.
According to the RCB captain, winning a championship requires collective effort rather than depending solely on a couple of star bowlers.
“You cannot win a tournament with only one or two bowlers. The way Rasikh has performed throughout the season has been exceptional and has reduced the pressure on the senior bowlers,” Patidar noted.
Phil Salt’s Availability Still Uncertain
Patidar provided an update on opener Phil Salt, who has been recovering from a finger injury sustained earlier in the tournament.
The RCB captain confirmed that Salt is currently participating in batting drills and practice sessions but said the team management and medical staff will make a final decision regarding his availability before the final.
“He is batting and doing drills at the nets. We haven’t made a decision yet. The doctors and management will assess his condition before the match,” Patidar said.
RCB Eye Advantage After Qualifier 1 Victory
RCB booked their place directly in the final after defeating Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 on May 26, giving them a four-day break to recover and prepare.
Patidar acknowledged that the additional rest could offer a slight advantage over Gujarat Titans, who had to play Qualifier 2 before reaching the final.
“The break has helped us recover and prepare well. It may be a small advantage, but both teams have played excellent cricket throughout the season and are equally competitive,” he concluded.
With both teams boasting strong squads and impressive form, the IPL 2026 Final promises to be an exciting battle for the championship trophy.
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