Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar praised the franchise’s support staff and detailed planning after RCB stormed into a second consecutive IPL final with a dominant 92-run victory over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala. The experienced fast bowler once again played a crucial role in RCB’s impressive IPL 2026 campaign, delivering a match-winning spell of 3 for 28 in four overs while reclaiming the Purple Cap.
Defending a massive target of 255, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and the RCB bowling attack completely dismantled the Gujarat Titans’ batting lineup under pressure. While captain Rajat Patidar grabbed headlines with his explosive, unbeaten 93 off 33 balls, Bhuvneshwar highlighted the importance of preparation and teamwork behind RCB’s success this season.
“A lot of credit goes to the men behind the scenes, the kind of plans and the way we executed those plans. The experience of Hoff (Josh Hazlewood) and me is useful, but the support staff has been outstanding,” Bhuvneshwar Kumar said after the victory.
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The veteran pacer explained that although modern T20 cricket heavily relies on analytics and data, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have focused more on balancing information with practical execution on the field. “They set up the plans, and we’re executing. We are data-informed, but we don’t rely on it 100 per cent,” he added.
RCB’s bowling strategy against the Gujarat Titans was clear from the start. The pacers consistently attacked the stumps, denied width to aggressive batters, and forced mistakes throughout the chase. Gujarat Titans kept losing wickets at regular intervals before eventually getting bowled out for 162.
A gentle reminder that true greatness is built on discipline 🫡
🎥 Bhuvneshwar Kumar with words of wisdom 🗣️#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #RCBvMI | @RCBTweets | @BhuviOfficial pic.twitter.com/6J1N6iT5SW
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 10, 2026
“We make a lot of effort not to give room and try to get wickets through lbws and bowled dismissals. There’s a lot of planning involved,” Bhuvneshwar Kumar explained.
The 36-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable IPL 2026 season so far, picking up 26 wickets in 15 matches at an outstanding average of 18.15. His consistency with the new ball and in the death overs has been a major factor behind RCB’s dominant run to the final.
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With the emphatic win, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are now just one victory away from becoming only the third team in IPL history, after Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, to successfully defend their IPL title.
