Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have already secured their place in the IPL 2026 playoffs, but the team is far from slowing down. Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, RCB have emerged as the most consistent side of the season and currently sit at the top of the points table with 18 points and the best net run rate in the competition. However, despite qualification being sealed, the Bengaluru camp is treating their final league fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as a high-pressure encounter.
Ahead of the much-anticipated clash, schedules to take place at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium tonight, RCB batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik made it clear that the franchise is focused on maintaining rhythm and intensity before stepping into the playoffs.
Dinesh Karthik explains the importance of SRH clash
Speaking in a video shared by RCB on social media, Karthik explained that momentum can often become the deciding factor in knockout matches. According to him, finishing the league stage strongly would give the team a psychological edge heading into Qualifier 1. Karthik admitted that there could be a temptation to relax after sealing a playoff berth, but insisted that the current RCB setup does not want to lose its competitive mindset.
“Look, I know we have qualified for the playoffs. We can take it easily. But I think it’s as important as any other game for us. Because if we win this one, we’ll go with the momentum in the first qualifiers,” Karthik said in a video released by RCB on X.
He praised Sunrisers Hyderabad for their performances this season and acknowledged that they have been one of the strongest teams in the tournament. Karthik pointed out that SRH’s position near the top of the table reflects the quality of cricket they have played throughout the campaign.
“SRH is a solid team, and that’s the reason why they are in the top three. And they’ve played some wonderful cricket,” added Karthik.
The former India wicketkeeper also highlighted that RCB’s objective remains simple — continue competing at the highest level and carry winning momentum into the knockout stage. With a victory against SRH, Bengaluru would officially lock in a top-two finish and earn the valuable advantage of playing in Qualifier 1.
“It’s two good teams going up against each other, and we’ll try to put our best foot forward. We’re trying to do everything we can to make sure that we compete and cross the line,” Karthik added further.
Star performers for RCB in IPL 2026
One of the biggest reasons behind RCB’s dominance this season has been the exceptional form of Virat Kohli. The veteran batter has reinvented his T20 approach, combining aggression with consistency throughout the campaign. Kohli has already scored 542 runs in 13 matches at an average above 54 while striking at an impressive rate of over 164. His unbeaten century against Kolkata Knight Riders remains one of the standout knocks of IPL 2026 and has once again reinforced his status as one of the tournament’s most dependable performers.
Apart from Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal has also enjoyed a memorable season. The stylish left-hander has flourished under head coach Andy Flower and has provided explosive starts at the top. With more than 400 runs and a strike rate touching 173, Padikkal has added significant firepower to the batting lineup.
RCB’s success this season has not been limited to batting alone. Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has spearheaded the bowling attack brilliantly and currently leads the side’s wicket charts with 24 scalps. His ability to deliver breakthroughs in both the powerplay and death overs has played a major role in RCB’s consistent performances.
