Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar credited a strong bowling display and sharp fielding effort after Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Lucknow Super Giants to climb to the top of the IPL 2026 points table.

RCB delivered a clinical all-round performance at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, restricting LSG to 146 before chasing down the target comfortably in just 15.1 overs to register a five-wicket win.

Patidar praises bowlers’ execution

Speaking after the match, Patidar emphasised the importance of winning the toss and lauded his bowlers for executing their plans effectively.

“It was fantastic on the bowling. I think the good thing was that we won the toss. And the way the fast bowlers hit the deck was nice to watch,” he said.

He also had special praise for Krunal Pandya, highlighting his unpredictability and courage with the ball.

“Even I don’t know what he’s going to bowl next, but I would say he’s a very courageous bowler. At the same time, Suyash’s stump-to-stump bowling was tremendous to watch,” he added.

Experience key in bowling attack

RCB’s experienced pace duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood once again set the tone with disciplined spells using the new ball.

Patidar pointed out that having seasoned bowlers makes a captain’s job significantly easier in the T20 format.

“For a captain, if you have specialist bowlers in T20 leagues, it makes the job easier because you don’t have to tell them what to do next. Their experience and ideas help the entire bowling unit,” he said.

Fielding standards impress skipper

Apart from bowling, Patidar also praised the team’s improved fielding intensity, which has been a focus area throughout the tournament.

He singled out Phil Salt for a standout effort in the field.

“The team has been working on fielding intensity since the start of the IPL. That was followed by Phil Salt — he usually takes those one-handed, flying catches. It was a great catch,” Patidar noted.

Staying grounded despite top spot

With the victory, RCB moved to the top of the points table with 8 points from five matches. However, Patidar remained cautious about the team’s title ambitions.

“It’s a long way to go on the title hopes. Right now, we are just looking one game at a time,” he said, stressing the importance of maintaining focus.

What’s next for RCB

RCB will next face the Delhi Capitals at the same venue on Saturday as they aim to continue their strong run in the tournament.

Conclusion

RCB’s dominant win over LSG showcased their strength across departments, with bowlers setting up the game and batters finishing it with ease. While the team sits comfortably at the top of the table, Patidar’s measured approach underlines a focus on consistency rather than early celebrations.


(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by News Karnataka staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)